Original 'Wizard of Oz' among theater openings

With all this talk about Elphaba and Glinda, maybe it's time to pause and revisit the original story that brought these witches to life.

"The Wizard of Oz," considered by some to be the greatest family musical of all time, will be live on stage Dec. 3-4.

Based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, the production boasts special effects, transporting families from Kansas over the rainbow.

Travel down the yellow brick road with the kids and revisit old friends from the past — Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy and of course, Toto. The show features beloved tunes such as "Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," and "If I Only Had Brain."

"The Wizard of Oz," national tour, Dec. 3-4, Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 7:30 p.m., with matinees available. Tickets are $30-$57.50 (801-581-7100 or www.kingtix.com).

Here are the rest of this week's openings:

"A Year With Frog And Toad," U. of U. Youtheatre, Dec. 3-4, Egyptian Theatre, 328 S. Main, Park City.

This is the first joint production of the Egyptian Theatre and U. of U. Youththeatre. The play is based on the well-loved Arnold Lobel story of a frog and a toad as they venture through the four seasons, from hibernation to planting gardens — and all the lessons they learn along the way.

Shows are nightly, 7:30 p.m., with a Saturday matinee available. Tickets are $7-$10 (435-649-9371 or www.parkcityshows.com).

"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie," Dec. 3-26, Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North.

After praise for last year's children's production, SLAC offers the stage adaptation of Laura Joffre Numeroff's book. A look at the consequences of what can happen when you offer a cookie to a mouse.

As the antics grow, so does the friendship. The production stars Dustin Bolt and Michael Gardner.

Show's nights vary, many matinees available. Tickets are $10-$25 (801-363-7522 or www.saltlakeactingcompany.org)

"Go to Hell," New Works Theatre Machine, Dec. 3-18, Utah Pickle factory, 741 S. 400 West.

Salt Lake's only experimental opens its inaugural production. The show is a multimedia performance featuring video, live music and unconventional storytelling methods. This is a contemporized retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.