A Beloved Storybook Adventure, Elevated with a Festive Partnership
Follow the yellow brick road as The Georgia Ballet proudly presents The Wizard of Oz, running March 5-8, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, located just minutes from historic Marietta Square. The Wizard of Oz promises to be a spellbinding theatrical event for audiences of all ages – made even more memorable this season through an exciting collaboration with local favorite Hamp & Harry’s. Tickets for Mar. 6-8 start at $26. Tickets for Mar. 5 Sensory Friendly Show are a flat $23. Secure your seats today at www.georgiaballet.org/season!
This production marks the Georgia Ballet premiere of original choreography created specifically for The Wizard of Oz, setting the Company’s interpretation apart while honoring the heart of the classic tale. From Dorothy’s quiet Kansas beginnings to the dazzling world of Oz, audiences will be transported through a richly layered experience that blends classical ballet with expressive theatrical movement.
This spring, The Georgia Ballet is excited to elevate the audience experience through a full marketing and hospitality partnership with Hamp & Harry’s, bringing a touch of Oz-inspired flair to the theatre.
Audiences 21+ can enjoy a signature Wizard of Oz–themed cocktail, along with wine and beer, available in the lobby before each performance and during intermission. This thoughtfully curated experience allows patrons to extend the magic of the production beyond the stage while savoring seasonal flavors. The synergy between this iconic storybook ballet and Hamp & Harry’s imaginative craftsmanship creates a perfect pairing for spring outings, date nights, and memorable family experiences.
Visually, The Wizard of Oz features original sets and scenic design created exclusively for this production. Each environment, from the open plains of Kansas to the dazzling Emerald City, has been thoughtfully crafted to support the narrative and elevate the choreography. This world-building extends beyond the stage and into an immersive lobby experience, where audiences are welcomed into the journey before the curtain rises. Themed décor, atmospheric elements, and interactive visual moments transform the theatre space, inviting patrons to step into Oz from the moment they arrive. The result is a cinematic theatrical experience that feels both expansive and intimate, allowing dancers, design, and environment to work in seamless harmony.
As part of the organization’s commitment to accessibility, the Company hosts a special Sensory-Friendly Performance on Thursday, March 5, at 7 PM for those with sensory sensitivities and young children who may benefit from a more relaxed environment. The performance features seating at 50% capacity, house lights dimmed to half, softened sound levels with recorded music, and stage lighting free of sudden or strobe effects. Tickets for this special performance are available at a discounted rate of $23 each.
Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez brings his signature narrative clarity and emotional depth to the production. “The Wizard of Oz comes to life in this new staging through original choreography that blends diverse dance styles with immersive design. The production explores timeless themes of inner strength, compassion, and the true meaning of home, inviting audiences to experience the journey in a fresh and contemporary way while honoring the heart and tradition that have made this story endure for generations.”
Highlights of the production include:
● The Georgia Ballet Premiere of Original Choreography:
Newly created choreography crafted exclusively for The Wizard of Oz, designed to serve both classical ballet lovers and new audiences alike.
● Hamp & Harry’s Partnership:
Adults 21+ can enjoy wine, beer, and the exclusive Wizard of Oz cocktail crafted by Hamp & Harry’s—poured at every performance in the lobby.
● Original Sets and Immersive Lobby Experience:
An immersive lobby experience extends the world of Oz beyond the stage, complementing original sets and custom scenic design that transform the theatre into the magical landscapes of Oz.
● Community Engagement:
Special group discounts are available for schools, community organizations, and groups of 10+, supporting accessibility and shared holiday traditions.
Performance Dates and Times:
● March 5 – 7 PM (Sensory Friendly Performance)
● March 6 – 8 PM
● March 7 – 2 PM & 8 PM
● March 8 – 3 PM
Tickets: Tickets are available now at https://www.georgiaballet.org/season or by calling our box office at (770) 528-0881. Secure your seats early for this unforgettable journey into the Emerald City!
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: The Georgia Ballet Marketing Department Phone: (770) 528-0881 Email: marketing@georgiaballet.org https://www.georgiaballet.org
About The Georgia Ballet:
Founded in 1960 by Marietta native Iris Hensley, The Georgia Ballet is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring the public through professional ballet performance, unparalleled dance training, and meaningful community outreach. With a focus on creativity, inclusion, and excellence, The Georgia Ballet continues to bring the joy and artistry of dance to audiences throughout the region.
Daet Rodriguez, Artistic Director’s Bio:
Daet was born and raised in Cuba and graduated from the National School of Ballet in Havana in 1990. His training consisted of his parents, Jorge Rodriguez Vede and Clara Diaz, along with Fernando Alonso, Alberto Alonso, Laura Alonso, Pablo More, and Lazaro Carreno. Daet’s professional career began with Ballet de Camguey, where he performed many classical and contemporary principal roles. In 1995, Mr. Rodriguez joined Teatro Centro de Arte-Leon Febres Cordero in Ecuador, where his Balanchine performance experience added to his professional repertoire.
His career extended to many other countries, including Cuba, Jamaica, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Canada, Martinique, Guadalupe, and the United States. In 2001, Daet and his wife, Margit, opened their own ballet school, Cuballet-Ecuador, where they served over 200 students in a classical and contemporary training program.
Daet and Margit have trained numerous students for competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix, CIAD in Ecuador, Latin-American Danza in Chile, Danzamerica in Argentina, All Dance International in Ecuador, and the American Ballet Competition in the US. In February of 2015, Daet, Margit, and their two children moved to the United States and set ballets and choreography in schools around the region before joining us here at The Georgia Ballet.
