Glasgow Theatres' Creative Learning Team to Stage 'THE WIZARD OF OZ'

Glasgow Theatres' Creative Learning team is thrilled to announce the casting for its Second Stage Experience production - The Wizard of Oz.

Among the 75-strong cast taking to the stage at Theatre Royal on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July is East Kilbride's Cara McQuiston,13, as leading lady Dorothy; Keira Bell,16, from Prestwick as the Lion; Marcus Hyka,16, from Glasgow as the Scarecrow and Alastair McLeod,16, from Cumbernauld as the Tin Woodsman.

They will be joined by Anna Cowen, also from Glasgow, as the Wicked Witch of the West; Matthew Cunningham,16, from Bishopbriggs as the Wizard of Oz and Ellie MConnachie,14, from Erskine as Glinda the Good Witch of the East.

The production follows the success of Stage Experience's performance of Bugsy Malone last year, with Director Rebecca Atack and Musical Director Ryan Moir returning to their roles alongside Choreographer Lisa Kennedy who joins the creative team for the first time.

The well-known story of The Wizard of Oz was originally penned by L. Frank Baum's in his novel of the same name and follows Dorothy and her pet dog after they swept from Kansas by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Hopeful to return home, the Munchkins and Glinda the Good Witch of the East suggest they find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and ask for his help. After setting path on the yellow brick road, they meet some new friends including a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tin Woodsman who needs a heart, and a cowardly Lion who longs to be courageous. But before the great and powerful Oz considers their wishes, he demands they bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West - will they succeed before the witch gets her hands on the coveted Ruby Slippers?

This spellbinding musical features the much-loved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score including Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road, and We're Off To See The Wizard.

By arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Limited of New York, Stage Experience: The Wizard of Oz is an amateur production.

Glasgow Theatres' Creative Learning team offers a unique training experience giving young performers the opportunity to act, dance, sing and follow the yellow brick road onto the prestigious Theatre Royal stage.

IF YOU GO:

THE WIZARD OF OZ

By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics of the MGM motion picture score

By Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Dance & Vocal Arrangement by Peter Howard

Adapted by John Kane from the motion picture screenplay

Press Night: Friday 22 July, 7.30pm

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW

FRI 22 & SAT 23 JUL

FRI - SAT EVES, 7PM

SAT MAT, 2PM

BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 7647 (Calls cost up to 7p per min plus your company's access charge.)

Online: www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

ABOUT THE CAST:

Cara McQuiston,13, will step into the glittery red shoes of Dorothy and just loves to perform. Cara attends musical theatre group, Cadzow Academy, weekly. She has bagged leading roles in school productions and she is also preparing to sit her singing exam with LAMDA.

Kiera Bell,16 is busy working on her roar as the Lion and has enjoyed singing and dancing from a young age. She has recently been preparing for her school show, We Will Rock You. When she is not on stage she enjoys spending time with her friends and is a huge fan of Harry Potter.

Matthew Cunningham, 16, will show off his power as the Wizard of Oz. He appeared in Bugsy Malone last year and plays piano and percussion in his spare time.

Anna Cowen,16, took on the role of Blousey Brown in Bugsy Malone and so she is no stranger to Theatre Royal. Anna is a member of Harlequin, Eastwood Youth Theatre Group and has featured on the BBC Watch Night programme. Anna plans to pursue a career in musical theatre and is eager to learn more about the production process.

Marcus Hyka, 14, is a triple threat with qualifications from LAMDA as well as dance skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, street dance, hip-hop and commercial. He also attends Vivace Theatre School and also appeared in last year's Stage Experience production of Bugsy Malone as Fizzy.

Ellie McConnachie, 14, regularly sings and dances and has taken part in numerous shows over the years. She also plays guitar and rives her parents with her constant singing.

Alastair McLeod, 16, from Cumbernauld is a member of Stagecoach Stirling and the Scottish Youth Theatre. Last year he played the super-sleasy super-sneaky Fat Sam and is sure to shin in his new role as the Tin Woodsman. Alistair is a keen musician playing piano, trumpet and the bagpipes. In addition to performing in school productions, Alastair regularly sings in school choirs.

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