For many, viewing the movie The Wizard of Oz is a memorable experience. Whether seen during childhood with fresh eyes, in college with glazed eyes—paired with The Dark Side of the Moon—or in adulthood with nostalgic eyes, it leaves an impression. Now, the Utah Symphony will present the 70-year-old classic in a whole new way: You won’t feel like you’re in Utah anymore, Toto.
Regardless of your age or how many times you’ve seen the movie, when Dorothy steps into the Technicolor world of Oz from her black-and-white life in Kansas, it’s stunning. It will likely be even more impressive during this Utah Symphony performance, which will feature the movie projected in its entirety, complete with Judy Garland’s original 1939 vocal recordings, including Academy Award-winning “Over the Rainbow,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard” and others. The score, however, will sail from the orchestra, under the baton of Utah Symphony associate conductor David Cho.
While Oz is heralded as one of the greatest movies ever released, many forget that the score—which was recorded before filming—was also widely acclaimed upon release. Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg wrote the music and lyrics, while Herbert Stothart composed the instrumental underscore, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Now, the booming acoustics of Abravanel Hall should joyfully push along Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion down the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City.
Utah Symphony: Oz With Orchestra @ Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, 801-355-2787, Nov. 12-13, 8 p.m. $35-$85, ArtTix.org
More by Austen Diamond
-
Wasted Space
342 S. State, Salt Lake City
- May 6, 2015
-
Jackalope Lounge
372 S. State, Salt Lake City
- Apr 22, 2015
-
Geeks Who Drink at Piper Down Pub
1492 S. State, Salt Lake City
- Apr 15, 2015
- More »
Latest in Entertainment Picks
Readers also liked…
-
THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR MAR 14 - 20
St. Patrick's Day, Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, Downy Doxey-Marshall: Bloom and Laura Sharp Wilson: Gilding the Lily: A Choreography , and more.
- Mar 13, 2024
