We’re off to see the Wizard – The Wizard of Oz Opens Tonight at QPAC
AussieTheatre.com’s Brisbane correspondent Bobbi-Lea caught up with cast member Angela Harding during production week to talk about all things Oz.
Follow the yellow brick road down to QPAC tonight to see the opening of The Wizard of Oz, presented by Harvest Rain.
Company Director Tim O’Connor has assembled a brilliant cast for this production including the prodigal Harvest Rain daughter Angela Harding, who has been in Melbourne for the past eight months. When asked what brought her back, Angela replied, “I really love working with Harvest Rain Theatre Company. It has a real sense of home to me. When they invited me to take the role of Glinda, I was very quick to say yes”.
The role of Glinda has certainly increased in ‘popularity’ since the Stephen Schwartz’s 2003 smash hit prequel musical Wicked, which follows the story of the Witches of Oz, before Dorothy turned up and changed everything.
When talking about the journey of Glinda since the original book was written, Harding said “Obviously a lot of audiences are familiar with Kristin Chenoweth’s portrayal of Glinda in Wicked. When approaching the role I really had a look at who she was in the book and the movie, although I’m playing a stronger character than the movie”.
Of the other lead characters in Harvest Rain’s production, Angela said “Everyone is fantastic in their role. I think they will meet the audience’s expectations and beyond”.
Playing the coveted role of Dorothy is new-comer Dana Musil, Shaun Kohlman (Scarecrow), Dan Venz (Tinman), Matty Johnston (Lion), Penny Farrow (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Steven Tandy will play the role of the Wizard. Joining them will be an ensemble of thirty all-singing, all-dancing cast members as well a talented children’s cast of 50 singing and dancing munchkins!
Ever the professional, when quizzed about the sets (and getting a tornado into the theatre!), Angela tight-lipped, “I don’t want to let out any of the surprises but I can say it’s big and it’s going to be magical. It’s probably the most complicated part in the show. I think audiences will be delighted”.
So go somewhere over the rainbow this February for a magical night of entertainment at QPAC to see The Wizard of Oz.
The Wizard of Oz
Music & lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.
Adapted by John Kane from the MGM Motion Picture.
I went to the family and friends preview on Thursday night – it was fantastic. The set was brilliant, the tornado very well done, and the cast were fabulous. A credit to everyone involved and the kids were excellent in diction, timing and dance! Go and see it – you won’t be sorry.