Cumberland County Playhouse opens the 2015 Mainstage season on January 31^st with its annual youth and volunteer production, The Wizard of Oz!

The January 30^th preview performance of The Wizard of Oz will be a special benefit performance for young Crossville resident Rylan Hyder. Rylan is a 4-year-old boy recently diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Children with this rare genetic disease are missing an essential enzyme for normal cellular function. Over time, a toxic material builds up in their brain and body, which leads to years of severe disability and ultimately death, usually in their teens. Currently there is no cure, but researchers are working on a breakthrough gene therapy treatment that can possibly stop this devastating disease. All donations and proceeds from this preview performance will help fund the Hyder family’s trip to Ohio, where Rylan will possibly be a candidate the clinical trials of this new treatment that begin this summer. The suggested donation is $10.00 or more; reservations may be made by calling the Playhouse Box Office at (931) 484-5000.