There's no place like home - and no musical like this one. The dazzling land of Oz; a 'dream-come-true' world of enchanted forests, dancing scarecrows and singing lions, which wraps us in its magic in one great song-filled adventure. Join Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man in this fun-filled adventure. All you need to do is 'follow the yellow brick road.'
RSC Version, By L. Frank BaumWith Music and Lyrics from the MGM motion picture scoreby Harold Arlen and E. Y. HarbergBackground Music by Herbert StothartDance & Vocal Arragement by Peter StothartAdapted by John Kane from the motion picture screenplayBy arragement with Music Scope and Stage Musicals Limited of New York.
Ask almost anybody their favourite film as a child and they will tell you - The Wizard of Oz. This timeless classic first reached the screen in 1939, but has been enjoyed by subsequent generations on TV and video. As recently as the 1980's the BBC paid MGM a vast sum of money for the TV rights in the UK. They knew this was a movie that could be screened over and over again, and that audiences would never tire of it. And they were right.Dorothy's journey through the land of Oz is a metaphor for our search through life for what lies at the rainbow's end while sometimes ignoring the fact that the best things in life - family, friends and security - are often to be found in our own 'back-yards'. No doubt this simple message is as potent today as ever.Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Billie Burke, and the rest of the Oz cast gave the performances of their lives in the original motion picture, and it wasn't until the RSC created this faithful adaptation of the movie in 1987 that audiences could see the story of Dorothy's quest for happiness transferred to the stage.We are proud to have this opportunity to present the RSC version of "The Wizard of Oz", and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the actors, production team and set-builders who have worked for months to make this version possible. We hope you enjoy it - and remember...
"... there's no place like home!"
This Production is dedicated to the memory of Liz McLaughlin. A long term member of the Nomads, Liz was involved in many social and fund rasing activities. She will be remembered by most for her tireless maintenance of the Nomads props. Later this year a plaque will be unveiled dedicating the new props store to her.
She will be greatly missed.