I love The Wizard of Oz. I love sparkly shoes and friendly lions and houses that fall on people you don't like. There is one scene I despise, however: I hate the part where Dorothy's neighbor tries to take Toto away. I mean, I've had bad neighbors before, with screaming babies and elephant footsteps, but none have ever tried to deprive me of my pet. That's just totally uncalled for. I realize it has to be established that the woman is evil, but couldn't she just steal Dorothy's Fabergé egg collection or something? I'm hoping the new interpretation showing at Theatre Arlington this weekend will satisfactorily edit that scene. It is, after all, a G-rated version of the classic story, featuring an all-youth cast. (And nothing traumatizes kids more than sad animal plot twists in a beloved family theater production.) OZ! is a new take on the well-known tale that turns the story into a full-blown musical with lots of new songs and characters. Showings are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10. Call 817-275-7661 or visit theatrearlington.org.
Fri., March 9, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 10, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 11, 2 p.m.