Newark Amateur Operatic Society to stage The Wizard Of Oz at Newark Palace Theatre

Three years later than planned, Newark Amateur Operatic Society is finally set to step on to the yellow brick road in The Wizard Of Oz.

The society performs the classic musical at Newark’s Palace Theatre from Wednesday to Sunday (March 22-26).

It was initially planned as its spring 2020 production ­— until it was halted by the coronavirus lockdown.

The stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale features the iconic musical score from the MGM film.

It is story of Dorothy from Kansas who finds herself in the magical land of Oz and must find her way home with the help of friends like the Tinman, Scarecrow and cowardly lion.

It includes the iconic songs Over The Rainbow, Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead), If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve, We’re Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road), and The Merry Old Land Of Oz.

It also includes a song filmed but ultimately cut from the film, Jitterbug.

The cast is led by Christina Riley, playing the iconic role of Dorothy, so famously played by Judy Garland in the film.

Christina has also appeared in the society’s productions of Cats and Ghost The Musical.

William Dewick is Scarecrow, his sixth lead role with the society, after most recently being seen as Don Lockwood in Singin’ In The Rain.

Society stalwart Justin Day is Tinman and Lion is played by Pete Merrick who has also appeared in shows such as Cats and Oliver!

Playing the Good Witch and Wicked Witch of the West are Julia Raine and Rachel Mowbray.

Ollie Kirkwood is Uncle Henry and The Guard and, in his second show with the society, James Fry takes the roles of Professor Marvel and The Wizard of Oz.

They will be supported by a full company and the Munchkins will be played by children from Chuter Ede and Lowe’s Wong Junior Schools who will be doing three performances each.

Musical direction comes from Gary Wyatt assisted by Lindsay Follen with choreography by Natasha Wade of Newark Dance Academy.

Tickets are on sale from the Palace Theatre box office or by calling 01636 655755.

Performances take place nightly at 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.