The Wizard of Oz has a particular charm, even for a timeless classic. It draws in the young and old, the sweet and the curmudgeonly, and even those who claim they aren't fond of musicals. Musical mogul Andrew Lloyd Webber has adapted the ol' girl for the stage, so to speak. His newly invigorated production includes seven new musical numbers written in conjunction with Tim Rice. All your favorite songs and characters (including a real live Toto!) haven't gone anywhere, so don't fret. The Tin Man is still a creaky but heartless kind soul, the Lion is as cowardly as ever and the Scarecrow's ability to frighten anyone is still laughable. Of course, nothing can beat the dramatic shift from black and white to Technicolor, but Dorothy's naivete is nevertheless endearing to this day. The Wizard of Oz is performed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday (May 13 through 18) at the Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard; 314-534-1111 or www.fabulousfox.com). Tickets are $25 to $75.
May 13-16, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 17, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., May 18, 1 & 6:30 p.m., 2014