There's no place like home: The Wizard of Oz flies into Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
The film version starring Judy Garland is widely considered one of the greatest in cinematic history.
Now a group of well regarded amateur actors are bringing the story to the professional stage in Wolverhampton.
West Bromwich Operatic Society makes a welcome return to the Grand Theatre in a month's time with their production of The Wizard of Oz – just weeks after the famous film version celebrated it’s 80th anniversary.
The Operatic Society celebrated its own 80th milestone last year with a hugely successful run of West Side Story at the theatre.
In the run-up to their latest appearance on the Grand stage, some of the cast tried out their costumes which have been made from new especially for the show.
Playing Dorothy is Jessica Harrison, while Alex Woolliscroft is Scarecrow, Elliott Mann is Tin Man and Andy Foggin plays Lion. They are joined by Emma Wetherall as Glinda and Sarah Moors as the Wicked Witch of the West. Tim Jones will play The Wizard and the cast is completed by a talented local ensemble.
The Wizard of Oz film premiered in August 1939, and dazzled audiences and critics alike. A review in Variety read: "Nothing comparable has come out of Hollywood in the past few years to approximate the lavish scale of this filmusical extravaganza." The film went on to be nominated for six Oscars.
It tells the story of Dorothy and her dog, Toto, whisked away in their house when a tornado whisks through are Kansas to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road towards the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route encounter a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and a cowardly Lion.
The show features a number of much-loved songs, including Over The Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See The Wizard. Tickets for production, which runs from October 1 – 5 are now on sale.
