It’s been 13 years since The Wizard of Oz hit the stage at the Laycock St Community Theatre, but from March 1 the theatre will be transformed into the Emerald City for three weeks.
The well-known musical follows the enchanting storyline of young and spirited Dorothy Gale, who is swept by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land beyond the rainbow.
The journey to find her way back home leads the teenager to meet lifelong friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they all discover the power of friendship, courage and self-discovery.
L. Frank Baum’s classic novel has been faithfully adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, featuring all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 film.
As Dorothy and her friends journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City, they brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers.
The cast and production team have been working on the show since October, with Director Chris King comparing it to the Ben Hur of musicals.
King has assembled a fine cast of 85, headed by Jessica King as Dorothy, Todd Key as the Lion, Cody Baldwin as the Scarecrow, Brayden MacFarlane-Walker as the Tin Man, Elizabeth Herd as Glinda, Karen Snook as the Wicked Witch, Darryl Davis and Geoff Hay as Uncle Henry and the Wizard and Amanda Benson as Aunt Em.
He has family ties to the show, with daughter Jess playing Dorothy and granddaughter Willow Wilson portraying a munchkin in the Lullaby League.
It is also a family affair for Todd Keys, playing the Lion, who will bring his son Hudson onto the stage for the first time.
The production features memorable songs, high energy choreography, dazzling costumes and stunning set designs and is one not to miss.
Tickets are already 65 per cent sold.
The Wizard of Oz is at Laycock St Community Theatre from March 1-17.
Book at gosfordmusicalsociety.com