December 16, 2004 Boston Globe

CHRISTINA PEASLEE

Sing-along 'Wizard of Oz'

The yellow brick road is heading to Arlington.

Fans of ''The Wizard of Oz" can bring their ruby slippers, broomsticks, and even little dogs, to the Regent Theatre, where they can sing along with the familiar songs from the 1939 children's classic starring Judy Garland.

Movie sing-alongs have been a growing phenomenon since audiences about 30 years ago began showing up for screenings of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show" dressed as characters from that movie and shouting out lines from the script. In recent years, a sing-along version of ''The Sound of Music," which came to the Regent in 2002, also has become popular.

''There was a lot of demand for Sing-A-Long productions after we did 'The Sound of Music' two years ago," said Leland Stein, director of marketing and public relations for the Regent Theatre. ''The people responded very enthusiastically and wanted to know if we could bring it back again."

The Regent's showing will be the Boston-area premiere of the sing-along ''Wizard of Oz."

'' 'The Wizard of Oz' is ingrained in our culture," said Stein. ''We have all grown up watching the film; however, not everyone has had the opportunity to see it on the big screen."

Audience members will be able to watch a restored version of the film as they are encouraged to sing along with Dorothy and her friends as they make their way from Kansas to Oz. Though it is not mandatory, audience members are requested to dress like their favorite character in the movie. At the beginning of the show, the master of ceremonies will lead a costume parade down the aisles and onto the stage, where prizes will be awarded to those in the best costumes.

''We are hoping to have a variety of Dorothys, Tin Men, Cowardly Lions, and flying monkeys," said Stein.

At the beginning of each performance, audience members will be given a Perform-A-Long Fun Pack, consisting of a magic wand, a kazoo, bubbles, and more. As the production unfolds, the master of ceremonies will prompt the audience when it's time to use items from the pack, to sing with Dorothy, or hiss at the Wicked Witch of the West.

The master of ceremonies will be Dan Foley of the Boston-based duo the Airborne Comedians. ''He is one of the most well-known physical comedians in the Boston area," said Stein. ''I have a feeling he will warm the crowd up with some of his preshow entertainment, which could include a variety of stage antics and juggling."

Though many ''Wizard of Oz" fans know the lyrics of the songs -- such as ''Somewhere Over the Rainbow," ''We're Off to See the Wizard," and ''Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead" -- by heart, subtitles will be provided for new fans or those who have forgotten the lyrics over the years.

''The holidays are a special time for people to spend time with their friends and family," said Stein. ''During one of the most popular filmgoing times of the year, we are presenting this special event that incorporates one of the most beloved films of all time with theater and audience participation."

The sing-along ''Wizard of Oz" premiered in Chicago in January 2003, and the production has toured internationally, visiting such places as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and the United Kingdom.

Children of all ages have attended previous performances, said Alyssa Dyksterhouse, the engagement manager for Sing-A-Long Oz, which produced the show.

For the Arlington showings, Stein said, he expects to see many children, as well as ''groups of adults and their friends acting like children."