Evergeen popular classic The Wizard of Oz, will be staged as a musical production at the Guild Theatre from today by Stirling High School.
Directed by the school’s drama teacher, past pupil Marc Williams, the production is presented by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Inc, a company that provides professional and amateur theatres licences to Broadway musical scripts and scores.
The show boasts a cast of 65 pupils who will be acting, singing and dancing over the rainbow and back in this family favourite.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Williams said they chose the story because it was “always a good idea to go with a classic”.
“You get a great response from the audience when you show them something that they know or are familiar with.
“The story in itself has many lessons that need to be learnt.
“Of all the classics that have been staged in East London, this one is the least overdone,” he said.
Williams matriculated at Stirling High School.
He has starred in and directed a number of productions in East London, including 2013’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast.
The Wizard of Oz, which was originally a story book, follows a young Dorothy Gale who, after bumping her head during a tornado, falls into a dream and ‘wakes’ in the magical land of Oz.
On her way to find the Wizard of Oz, hoping he will assist her in returning home, she meets the brainless Scarecrow, the heartless Tin Man and the cowardly Lion.
They protect her from the evil Wicked Witch of the West, who tries hard to keep her in Oz.
Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, assists Dorothy who realises quickly that there is no place like home.
Dorothy is played by Shayla Oberem; the Scarecrow is played by Daniel Anderson; the heartless Tin Man by Robin Castle; and the Lion by Ethan Petzer.
The supporting cast is made up of Tarryn Green (Wicked Witch of the West); Tayla Crocker (Glinda, the Good Witch of the North) and the Wizard of Oz is Divan Venter.
The musical director is Jacques du Plessis, and Leoni Armour has done a tireless job as vocal coach.
Natalie Oberem, of All Feet Can Dance studio, choreographed the show. She first choreographed for Stirling in the 2006 production Footloose.
Williams said audiences could look forward to beautiful music, vibrant dancing and bright costumes. “We have been working on this production since November.
“We started rehearsing as early as January to ensure that we present a world class production,” he said.
The 1939 movie, also a classic, starred Judy Garland. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za