The Wizard of Oz | Movie vs. Ballet
To close our 55th Anniversary Emerald Season, PBT will present Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz with the PBT Orchestra at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts, May 9-18. Below is information about this vibrant production and how it compares to the well-known movie!
THE CHOREOGRAPHER
Septime Webre, creator of the ballet The Wizard of Oz, is internationally recognized for his choreography. In fact, PBT has performed his Peter Pan in 2007 and his Cinderella in 2009 and 2013, respectively. He is currently the artistic director of Hong Kong Ballet and was formerly the artistic director of the Washington Ballet and American Repertory Ballet.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The Wizard of Oz film premiered in 1939, and was based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The movie surprisingly had delayed success and did not profit until its re-release in 1949. Its CBS television premiere in 1956 made it the most-seen movie in history, according to the U.S. Library of Congress. It was especially famous for its use of Technicolor, musical score and lovable characters. The movie is decorated with countless awards and was one of the first 25 movies preserved in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
ABOUT THE BALLET
Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz premiered in 2019 and is a true testament to the famous movie and novel. The audience will find the story familiar and easy to follow. While this onstage version includes complex dancing and ruby slippers, it’ll be much more than just taking you home after three clicks of the heels!
The ballet reflects the movie in that it is an absolute celebration of colors. The Wizard of Oz was one of the first movies filmed in Technicolor, and its success helped to usher in the Technicolor age. The ballet’s vibrancy is represented in the set, scenic design and costumes, which make it a true ode to the movie’s Technicolor legacy. It will very likely be the most colorful ballet that PBT has ever brought to the Benedum Center stage!
While the characters’ costumes, choreography and even-themed music help the audience to recognize and follow the story, the characters in the ballet definitely have their own flair. The Tin Man, for instance, has a very distinguishable, stiff quality of movement, but requires much loosening up to dance ballet! While the Munchkins are not of a particular size as they are in the movie, they still showcase the bright personality and energy of the film’s famous characters. The Munchkins start Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road, which literally comes to life. Poppies lull Dorothy and her friends to sleep by dancing, of course.
Septime Webre grew up frequently reading and playacting The Wizard of Oz with his siblings. As an enthusiast of the novel and movie, it was not only essential to him that the audience’s expectations were met, but that he also brought something new to the story, giving it a fresh perspective. He felt that illuminating the emotional content and themes of friendship and good versus evil was something he could convey successfully through dance. Hear more about his thoughts on The Wizard of Oz.
Pittsburgh audiences will greatly enjoy this well-anticipated story they know and love. Experiencing PBT perform The Wizard of Oz is a way for fans to expand their understanding of the beloved tale, which continues to remind us that most everything you wish for resides within you. The Wizard of Oz should take Pittsburgh by storm, bringing everyone on an exciting adventure and reminding them that there’s “no place like home.”
We invite you to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Benedum Center to see this iconic story told through ballet, May 9-18!
COMPARING THE MOVIE AND THE BALLET
Dancing:
1939 Movie: Simple, traditional dancing was used in the movie version.
Septime Webre Ballet: The ballet version revolves around complex, beautiful ballet dancing.
Characters:
1939 Movie: It introduced many favorite characters that people still love today.
Septime Webre Ballet: It includes all of the beloved characters from the movie.
Flying:
1939 Movie: Yes, mainly the witches and monkeys fly in the film.
Septime Webre Ballet: Yes, multiple characters fly, including Dorothy, Glinda, Scarecrow, Oz, the Wicked Witch and monkeys.
Music:
1939 Movie: The music was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Edgar Harburg. Famous songs include “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.”
Septime Webre Ballet: An original score by Matthew Pierce, performed live by the PBT Orchestra.
Color:
1939 Movie: It was one of the first Technicolor movies.
Septime Webre Ballet: Everything is extremely colorful from the sets and backdrops to the costumes and pointe shoes!
Themes:
1939 Movie: The movie themes revolve around home, friendship and knowledge as power.
Septime Webre Ballet: The themes in the ballet include friendship and the struggle between good and evil.
Special Effects:
1939 Movie: Yes, the tornado and flying are among the most well-known.
Septime Webre Ballet: Yes, the ballet has many special effects, including the iconic tornado and impressive flying sequences.
Toto:
1939 Movie: Yes, a real dog is used in the movie
Septime Webre Ballet: Yes, an amazing puppet and robotic dog is Toto in the ballet.
Ruby Slippers:
1939 Movie: Yes! Ruby red heels are used.
Septime Webre Ballet: Yes, beautiful ruby red ballet pointe shoes!
Photos Courtesy of: American Rhetoric, Closer Weekly, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Kansas City Ballet, Medium, Hot Dog on a Leash