Seventeen young Redland performers join the cast of The Wizard of Oz - Arena Spectacular being staged for three shows at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on July 12 and 13.
The local performers are part of a 900-strong chorus of munchkins, poppies, Emerald City citizens, winkies and jitterbugs who swell the cast. Locals include Kiarna Brown of Capalaba, Lily Watson of Alexandra Hills, Asha Wassell of Alexandra Hills, Sophie Comb of Capalaba, Stephanie Richards of Thornlands, Aroha Harding of Capalaba, Tristan Edwards of Alexandra Hills and Taylor Dickson of Thornlands. These performers represent FAD Bayside and Rockit Productions.
Tristan, 18, said he enjoyed learning new dance routines and making new like-minded friends. This is his second show with this company.
Aroha's mother Bec Harding said Aroha, 15, drew on her cheerleading and dance skills for the production.
The Redland cast joins gold Logie winning actor John Wood who plays the wizard. Wood's career includes a decade-long stint playing the role of Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in Blue Heelers, Magistrate Michael Rafferty, in Rafferty's Rules and in Harvest Rain's 2015 production of the Pirates of Penzance at QPAC.
Producer Tim O'Connor said Wood was a titan of the Australian entertainment industry.
"He brings an enormous gravitas to the role of the Wizard. For audiences who grew up watching John on television, this is an incredible opportunity to see him live on stage in one of the world's most beloved musicals," Mr O'Connor said.
Joining Wood on stage as Dorothy Gale is newcomer Carly Bettinson, 19, a recent graduate of the Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre.
Chris Geoghegan plays the Scarecrow, Michael Nunn is the Tinman and Josh Whitten as the Lion.
Aurelie Roque will play Glinda the Good Witch, and Bil Heit plays the Wicked Witch of the West.
Rounding out the principal cast will be Matty Johnston, Zane Powell, Joanna Nash, Bethany Wilson and Kamara Henricks.
This all-new arena production is choreographed by Callum Mansfield, with music direction by Dennett Hudson, set design by Frances Hannaway, sound by John Taylor and lighting by Trudy Dalgleish.
"The technology we're using to bring Oz to life for this production is state-of-the-art and totally breathtaking. There are nine-metre tall LED screens wrapping around the entire set playing wall-to-wall animations throughout the whole show so we really will feel transported into the fantastical land of Oz. With a cast of over 900 this is going to blow your mind," Mr O'Connor said.
Tickets are from $39. Book on ticketek.com.au, wizardofozarena.com
