The Wizard of Oz is coming to London

The Wizard of Oz in London

The Wizard of Oz musical is due to open in London sometime in 2010, based on the original classic MGM film from 1939, starring Judy Garland.

Yes, The Wizard of Oz is coming to London and the person to play part of Dorothy will be chosen by another reality TV style competition with Andrew Lloyd Webber and the TV audience making the final decision.

The Wizard of Oz is a famously familiar story with most people believing they have read the original book although this is probably because they saw the MGM Film with Judy Garland singing “Over the Rainbow” but it speaks directly to people of all ages either as a childlike fairy story or else as some kind of parable for the American dream. Who hasn’t realised they made some silly mistake and remarked ” If I only had a brain” quoting directly from one of the most popular songs in the film. The film is a musical film so stage versions have often been produced and performed at all levels from schools to amateur dramatics right up to full blown professional big time Broadway and West End shows. This time it’s guaranteed to be a huge spectacular in London because the production company behind it is none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber’s with massive successes like The Phantom of The Opera, Cats, and Joseph to their name along with the anticpated Love Never Dies Phantom continuation which launches next March.

Over The Rainbow

The other factor ramping up the likely popularity of the Wizard of Oz in London will be the TV show which is planned to cast Dorothy. Following on the tradition now established by previous TV contests we know this will bring new audiences and added interest particularly during the vital first few months of the stage show in the West End. Whilst “Big Brother” may have reached the end of its useful life the great British public is showing no sign of getting fed up with celebrity talent competitions such as Strictly Come Dancing” and these casting shows like “Over The Rainbow”

Jodie Prenger is still going strong in Oliver after winning the part of Nancy in I’d Do Anything last year. Lee Mead has gome on to other great things after winning teh part of Joseph in “Any Dream Will Do” and the other show was to find a Maria for The Sound of Music.

The Tin Man the lion and the scarecrow will be accompanying Dorothy along the yellow brick road some time in 2010 at an as yet unspecified theatre in London’s West End and I know that I for one cannot wait to see it!