Follow the yellow brick road this holiday season as Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) proudly presents The Wizard of Oz, live on stage now through January 4, 2026 at The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts. The iconic musical is NWCT’s largest production in its new home to date.
This is the fifth time NWCT has staged the timeless tale in its 32-year history, but the first time doing so at The Judy. With Wicked once again capturing imaginations through hit stage and film adaptations, NWCT’s production offers today’s young audiences the perfect introduction to Oz—live, vibrant, and up close.
“This show has always had a special place in NWCT’s heart,” says Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy. “Bringing it here to our new home at The Judy makes it feel even more magical. It’s a multigenerational story—grandparents grew up with the classic film, and now kids are discovering Oz in their own way.”
The role of Dorothy Gale will be shared by two talented youth performers, Emma Lombard and Josie Overstreet. With 38 performances—including weekday school matinees—the two will alternate throughout the run. Both grew up at NWCT and have appeared in previous Mainstage productions. Lombard began classes at age seven and has been seen in Matilda, Elephant & Piggie, and Go, Dog, Go! Overstreet joined Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Program five years ago and has since performed in Shrek JR, A Chorus Line, and Go, Dog, Go!
Both performers say sharing the role has made the experience even more special. “It’s been really fun to share this experience with someone,” says Overstreet. “This role has been a lifelong dream of mine, and having a close friend who understands exactly what it feels like is really nice.”
Lombard adds, “There are so many things I learn from Josie when she’s acting or singing that I’m putting into my Dorothy. It feels like we’re sharing the role in more ways than one.”
Fun fact: both attend Central Catholic High School!
Making his stage debut as Toto is Milo, a five-year-old Havapoo. The 8-pound pup won over the production team by crawling into the director’s lap and falling asleep during auditions—completely unfazed by the whirlwind around him. His real-life mom, NWCT alumna Sophie MacKay, plays Glinda.
Joining Dorothy’s journey are Annabel Cantor as Scarecrow/Hunk, Samson Syharath as Tinman/Hickory, and Dustin Brown as Lion/Zeke. NWCT favorite Kevin-Michael Moore returns for his third holiday production as the Wizard/Professor Marvel. Newcomers Lindsay Reed (Wicked Witch/Miss Gulch) and Graham Buyagawan (Uncle Henry) make their NWCT debuts.
The cast also features young performers from NWCT’s Kid’s Company (ages 9–12) as the Munchkins and members of Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Company (ages 12–18) in the ensemble.
This family-friendly stage adaptation runs about 90 minutes with one intermission and is designed specifically for young audiences. Expect immersive elements, themed concessions (including The Judy’s famous movie-theater popcorn), adorable Oz plushies in the lobby, and plenty of holiday magic from the moment you walk in.
Tickets are already selling quickly for this classic story about friendship, courage, and home. It’s the perfect way to add a little Oz sparkle to your holiday season.
The Wizard of Oz is presented on The Schnitzer Stage at The Judy in downtown Portland. Performances run now through January 4, 2026 on Saturdays, Sundays, and select weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Accessibility Offerings:
• An ASL-interpreted performance will be held Sunday, December 7 at 11:30 a.m.
In addition to public performances, more than 3,200 students from 55 schools will attend 12 weekday school matinees.
The Wizard of Oz is produced with support from the Oregon Arts Commission, Kafoury McDougal: Lawyers for the People, NWCT donor families, and media sponsors PDX Parent and NW Kids.
VENUE & TICKETS
The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts
1000 SW Broadway, Suite T-100
Portland, OR 97205
Dates: Now – Jan. 4, 2026
Showtimes: Saturdays, Sundays & select weekdays at 11:30 a.m. & 3 p.m.
Best for: Ages 5 and up
ASL-Interpreted Performance: Sun., Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $30–$40 • nwcts.org • 503-222-2190
$5 Arts for All tickets are available for Oregon Trail/SNAP card holders. See nwcts.org/faqs for details.
