Newark Amateur Operatic Society will stage the classic The Wizard Of Oz at Newark Palace Theatre
For its 85th anniversary production, Newark Amateur Operatic Society will stage the classic The Wizard Of Oz, which itself celebrated its 80th anniversary this year.
The society will perform the Royal Shakespeare Company version of the show that follows the famous film closely.
It will run at the Palace Theatre, Newark, from Wednesday, April 1, to Sunday, April 5.
It includes all the familiar songs, including Over The Rainbow, Munchkinland (Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead), We’re Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road), The Merry Old Land Of Oz, and also The Jitterbug, which was filmed but cut from the original film.
Chairman Rita Crowe said: “It’s fantastic that the society is able to continue our hugely successful run of productions with the chance for us to perform such an iconic and classic show such as The Wizard Of Oz.
“I’m thrilled with our creative team, the talented cast, and full supporting company, with our aim to create a truly memorable production for all the family in what will be our 85th year as a society.”
The cast includes many familiar faces. The iconic role of Dorothy, famously played by Judy Garland in the film, will be performed by Christina Riley, who played Demeter in the society’s production of Cats.
She steps into her first lead role with the society with her very own Toto played by Pepe.
She will be supported by William Dewick as Scarecrow, in his fourth role with the society after playing Munkustrap in Cats, Sam Wheat in Ghost The Musical and earlier this year as Will Parker in Oklahoma!
Justin Day plays Tin Man following numerous roles in the society, including Fagin in Oliver! Nathan Detroit in Guys And Dolls and Mungojerrie in Cats.
The Cowardly Lion will be played by Peter Merrick, another society regular having appeared as Mr Bumble in Oliver! Bustopher Jones in Cats, and Jud in ‘Oklahoma!
Rachel Mowbray and Julia Raine will be playing the roles of the Wicked Witch of West and Glinda, The Good Witch respectively alongside Andrew Fearn, making a return to the society stage to play The Wizard of Oz.
New to the company this year, playing Uncle Henry, is the Vicar of St Mary Magadalene Church, the Rev David Pickersgill.
The production is being directed by the society’s vice-chairman, Mike Follen for a second time at the Palace following Oliver!
He also directed the autumn production of Ghost The Musical at the Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, which won best musical in its category at this year’s NODA East Midlands Awards.
Andrew Raine is again musical director and Dean Matthew-Skiba returns to choreograph the show.
There is a full supporting company playing the Munchkins, Osians, Flying Monkeys and Winkies.
There will be nightly performance at 7.30pm with two matinees. The first is on the Saturday and the run will end with a Sunday matinee, both at 2.30pm.
Tickets are on general release from the Palace Theatre, including a specially priced family ticket for the circle.
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