The Wizard of dOgZ
by The Vortex
Sep. 19 - Sep. 28
We are off to meet the Wizard! When Dorothy finds herself in a strange land after a sudden storm, she has to gather her courage and set off on a big circus adventure. Our canine companions along the way play the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Will they make it to the Wizard of dOgZ and find their hearts’ desire or be thwarted by the Wicked Cat of the West?
Written and Directed by Melissa McKnight. Featuring Darren Peterson, Melissa McKnight, and Balyssa Bell. Live Original Music with Tyler Mabry. With Coyote, Dragonfly, Firefly, and introducing our newest canine superstar, Butterfly! Lighting Designer: Amy Lewis. Stage Manager: Jamie Carroll. Assistant Stage Manager: Fernando Lara. Choreography: Blaise Ricin
The Wizard of dOgZ is funded and supported in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District, a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, The City of Austin Economic Development Department, and ATX Theatre.
The Wizard of dOgZ
by Melissa McKnight
The Vortex
September 19 - 28, 2025
Two shows a day: 4:30 pm and 6:30pm
The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722
Tickets: $39/$29/$15 RESERVED seating
$39 Benefactor
$29 Supporter
$15 Discount/Child/Artist/Student/Senior
www.vortexrep.org or 512-478-5282
INSIDE on the Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage.
Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District.
Bus route. Bike Racks. Limited Free Parking.
The Butterfly Bar@The VORTEX opens at 5pm: hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer.
Patrizi’s@The VORTEX opens at 5pm: delicious homemade Italian food.
Advance Reservations Recommended. Limited seating.
Blue Star Theatre: Discounts for Military, Veterans, and their families.
Radical Rush Free Tickets: Limited free tickets for each performance in the spirit of sustainability, accessibility, and the gift economy. Radical Rush tickets released one hour in advance-in-person only.
The VORTEX Mission: We conjure urgent, unashamed art to create action in a shifting age. We embrace diverse communities, break down barriers, and elevate inclusive discourse from our cultural harbor in Austin, Texas. We enliven humanity with magical green new theatre at our Butterfly Bar and Sanctuary.
The VORTEX Core Values: Our core values are encompassed by the Pentacle of Integrity: Transformation, Magic, Community, Diversity, and Earth. Integrity lives at our core. We engage in radical transformation through edge-walking artistic creations and innovations. Magic emanates from our cultural harbor, engaging Spirit. Our space and our culture support expanding circles of inclusive community. Our art reflects diversity of people and voices from the global majority. Sustainability and environmentalism center Earth at our foundation.
