From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —   The Montford Park Players will open its 2026 season with a production of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m. May 1 in the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville.

The MPP show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. May 1-30 — on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. 

The play is based on a classic 1900 children’s fantasy novel by Frank Baum about a Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. To find her way home, she must follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard for help, meeting a Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Cowardly Lion along the way, all seeking something from the Wizard as well.

Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. Also, lawnchair rentals are available at www.montfordparkplayers.org and are free. 

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free.