By Marlisa Harding

mharding@americanpress.com

By Marlisa Harding

mharding@americanpress.com

Christian Youth Theatre will return for its third season with “Wizard of Oz,” Oct. 24-27. With a cast of more than 60 students, ages 8-18, guests will be transported to the magical land of Oz in CYT’s biggest production yet.

“It’s the classic story you know and love,” Cherie Benoit, CYT managing director said. “Beautiful costumes with glittery, sparkly, big beautiful sets are a highlight of this show.”

“Wizard of Oz” is expected to run one and half to two hours with an intermission, a perfect family-friendly treat for all ages.

“It’s completely family-oriented. There’s definitely nothing that would scare anybody,” she said.

Actors and actresses will make the scenes come alive as Dorothy, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow travel down the yellow brick road towards Oz.

“The trees come alive and they’re mean and throwing things,” Benoit said. “You’ve got kids playing those parts and they were excited to get those parts because that’s a pretty neat scene when they’re going through the forest.”

The group’s arrival at Oz will also be a sight to see, she said.

“Oz itself is green and absolutely shines. I think that’s going to be visually pretty exciting.”

CYT’s winter production will be “Big: The Musical,” Jan. 16-19. A musical adaptation of the 1988 Tom Hanks film, “Big: The Musical” showcases the age-old principle of “be careful what you wish for.”

“He’s an adolescent whose at the point of ‘If I was an adult, I could do this. I could do that.’ His wish is to become big and he certainly gets it,” Benoit said. Fans of the 80’s comedy will recognize the familiar scenes of dancing on the piano inside of New York City’s FAO Schwartz and classic Zoltar machine from where the young boy’s wish is granted.

Benoit said the season will conclude in spring 2020 with a large musical.

All performances for the 2019-2020 season will be at the Tritico Theatre, 4205 Ryan St. Season tickets, which include all three performances with reserved seating, are $70. Individual tickets with reserved seating at $25. Standard admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Seniors, military, students, children and groups of 10 or more are $10.

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For more information or to purchase tickets visit, www.cytlakecharles.org