'The Wiz' coming to the Paramount

Fox Valley Park District's Premiere Theatre Company this weekend will take audiences on a trip down the Yellow Brick Road as it presents its Summer Stage production of "The Wiz."

The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Other shows begin at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18; and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19. Tickets are $10 on Friday for adults and $8 for seniors and ages 3 to 17. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and children. Tickets may be purchased online at paramountaurora.com or in person at the Paramount box office.

In the fun and funky adaptation of the classic "The Wizard of Oz" story, Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz are set to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul.

It begins on a tumbledown farm in Kansas, where Dorothy and her dog Toto are transported in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. After celebrating the demise of the Wicked Witch of the East with the Munchkins, Dorothy departs for the Emerald City on the yellow brick road.

Along the way, she encounters a hip scarecrow, an uptight Tin Man and a mama's boy Lion. Together they seek help from the Great Man in the flashy city.

They ultimately meet with the Wizard, who agrees to grant all their wishes as a package deal - if they knock off Evillene - the Wicked Witch of the West.

"The Wiz" is performed by more than 60 local cast and live orchestra members ages 6 to adult.