Des O’Connor next Wizard of Oz

Veteran entertainer Des O’Connor (80) is stongly rumoured to be taking over from Russell Grant as the Wizard of Oz in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production at the London Palladium. Grant leaves on 20th May and the show is currently booking until 28th October with the current Dorothy (Sophie Evans) now staying on until September.

The role was originally played by 70 year old Michael Crawford and O’Connor will take over the dual roles of  Professor Marvel/Tour Guide/Doorman/The Wizard of Oz. This is only the second time he has performed in a West End musical appearing in Dreamboats & Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre last year.

Since his first television appearance back in 1963 he has starred in his own shows for over 45 years – longer than anyone else anywhere in the world. He is probably best remembered in the West End when he hosted Sunday Night at the London Palladium making over 1000 appearances.  His very successful career includes popular  television shows (which include Des O’Connor Tonight and The Des O’Connor Show) O’Connor has 36 albums which have sold  more than 16 million copies worldwide.

Des was awarded the CBE in 2008 for his services to Entertainment and Broadcasting and is widely regarded as one of the best loved and most respected stars in England.

The Wizard of OZ books

L. Frank Baum wrote many stories around the Oz theme, describing the adventures of Dorothy Gale as well as other visitors from the real world. After he passed away in 1919, the mantle of “Royal Historian of Oz” was assumed by Ruth Plumly Thompson, and she continued to publish Oz stories from 1921 thru 1939. Since that time, many others have published Oz stories. Select any of the below listed items to see a list of these books. Full descriptions are also provided for the Baum Oz books. In addition, the full text of many of the books are provided.

There are fourteen books in the Wizard of Oz series by Baum, plus a book of short stories. The following lists these by date of first publication.

• 1900 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• 1904 The Marvelous Land of Oz
• 1907 Ozma of Oz
• 1908 Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz
• 1909 The Road to Oz
• 1910 The Emerald City of Oz
• 1913 The Patchwork Girl of Oz
• 1914 Little Wizard Stories of Oz
• 1914 Tik-Tok of Oz
• 1915 The Scarecrow of Oz
• 1916 Rinkitink in Oz
• 1917 The Lost Princess of Oz
• 1918 The Tin Woodman of Oz
• 1919 The Magic of Oz
• 1920 Glinda of Oz

Over the 20th Century, Oz as a global phenomenon has grown far beyond the boundaries of a series of children’s stories and a classical movie. Oz icons are instantly recognizable across the breadth and depth of American society, and in the world in general. This omnipresence has led to myths, parodies, allegories, pastiches, etc., etc., all of which perpetuate and extend the Oz experience.

Oz The Great and Powerful is a prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum, with a script co-written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Mitchell Kapner. The story is told from the point of view of the Wizard, telling how the Wizard arrived in Oz and how he became the ruler.

The all-star cast of the film includes Zach Braff as Franco’s assistant, Mila Kunis as the witch Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Kunis’ sister Evanora and Michelle Williams as Glinda the Good Witch. The film is due to be released through Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 8th, 2013.

When Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus magician is blown off course from Kansas to the land of Oz, he thinks he has made the big time. Then he meets three witches who don’t think he is the great wizard everyone has been expecting. Finding out who is good and who is bad helps Oscar Diggs become the great and powerful Wizard of Oz

One of the new songs written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber for the new musical Wizard of Oz in London.

I want her shoeless.

Well the consensus seems to be that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard Of Oz has been met with broadly positive reviews from theatre critics.

The show, which features Danielle Hope in the role of Dorothy after she won TV talent show Somewhere Over The Rainbow, was unveiled to the media and a star-studded audience including Sir Michael Caine and Barbara Windsor at the London Palladium on Tuesday night.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Quentin Letts said the Manchester teenager was “more than efficient” in the lead role, praising her for her “clear, strong voice and a broad-shouldered confidence”.

The Independent’s Paul Taylor gave it four out of a five stars, and gave a special mention to the “endlessly endearing” terrier in the role of Toto.

A host of big-name stars attended the opening night of the Wizard of Oz.

Re-worked for the London stage by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the newly-opened musical sees BBC talent show winner Danielle Hope take on the lead role of Dorothy, while West End veteran Michael Crawford plays the Wizard himself and Hannah Waddingham braves the wrath of the audience as the Wicked Witch.

If opening night reviews are anything to go by, then the show is likely to prove a hit with theatre-goers between now and September 17th, when its scheduled run at the Palladium Theatre is due to come to an end.

Following on from a glitzy press night, which saw the likes of Charlotte Church pick up Wizard of Oz tickets and pop into the capital to see the show, the London Evening Standard declared: “This is a family musical with a gorgeous sense of spectacle, as well as being a polished essay in escapism.”

Already, however, some critics are saying that Dorothy’s dog Toto, played by a well-trained West Highland terrier, is the real star of the new show.

Theatregoers – who also included Phillip Schofield, Rowan Atkinson, Michael Winner and Duncan James – strolled up the rainbow-coloured carpet as they arrived to see the production at the historic Palladium theatre in London.

They were joined by several of the runners-up of the television talent show and Lloyd Webber himself, who looked somewhat like the Wizard of Oz in his green velvet jacket.

Jodie Prenger, who was Lloyd Webber’s Nancy in Oliver! after winning BBC show I’d Do Anything and helped in the nationwide search for a dog to star as Toto, said she could relate to any first night nerves Danielle might be feeling.

Speaking before the cast took to the stage, she said: “She’ll be petrified right now. But when she walks out on that stage you’ll see that they made such the right decision, because she’s just going to shine. She was just fabulous. And I can’t wait to see the dog.”

The show received a standing ovation after wowing the audience with spectacular technical effects, including a revolving stage, a fantasy tornado and monkeys flying through the stalls.

Michael Billington of the Guardian writes

.. I came out feeling blitzkrieged rather than charmed.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the set and costume designer, Robert Jones. The Kansas cyclone that whisks Dorothy into a dreamworld is evoked through vorticist projections (the work of Jon Driscoll) that betoken chaos in the cosmos. The Yellow Brick Road is on a tilted revolve from inside which poppyfields and labyrinthine forest emerge. The Emerald City is full of steeply inclined walls suggesting a drunkard’s vision of the Chrysler Building lobby. And the Wicked Witch of the West inhabits a rotating dungeon that might be a Piranesi nightmare.

Not since 19th century Drury Lane melodramas can London have seen anything quite like it; one has to admire the director and co-adaptor, Jeremy Sams, for marshalling the effects. But the story and the people get swamped. Danielle Hope shows a natural, easy presence as Dorothy, but can’t hope to compete with the scenery. Even Michael Crawford, playing both Professor Marvel and The Wizard, seems slightly subdued, and misses a trick by not highlighting the latter’s resemblance to PT Barnum whom he once played. Only two of the cast transcend the spectacle. Hannah Waddingham makes the Wicked Witch a pointy-chinned ogre who at one point flies over the audience’s heads with an elan that Spider Man might envy. David Ganly notches up a first by making the Cowardly Lion explicitly gay and announcing “I’m proud to be a friend of Dorothy.”

Of course, there are the songs; it’s good to be reminded of such classics as Over The Rainbow, We’re Off To See The Wizard, and Follow The Yellow Brick Road. The additions by Lloyd Webber and Rice are also perfectly acceptable. Dorothy is given a good plaintive opening number, and Red Shoes Blues, sung by the Wicked Witch, has a pounding intensity. But, as a film scholar remarked to me, the movie was a story with songs rather than a full-blown musical. That delicate balance has been changed, and an essentially simple fable about the importance of individual worth seems overblown.

I suspect in the end the show will be critic-proof and people will go to see both the winner of the TV talent contest and to luxuriate in the sumptuous visuals. But the paradox of the evening is that it suffers the same dilemma as the Tin Man: it might have been so much more if it only had a heart.

Yet more Wizard of Oz reviews

Oh dear, they mostly seem to like the dog best!

The Daily Mail >> Dorothy’s pet pooch is a wizard of the stage

The Independent >> Dorothy delivers but a four-legged star steals Lloyd Webber’s show

The Telegraph >> Danielle Hope offers a thoroughly competent rather than an inspired performance

BBC >> it is undoubtedly the set design that is the real star of the show

Evening Standard >> a vindication of the TV casting show

Manchester Evening News >> Danielle’s sweet, crystal-clear voice, brings a tear to the eye

Herald, Scotland >> Big, brash, bouncy and boring.

Londonist >> delivers everything one might expect from such a show, and perhaps just a little bit more.

Here are some excerpts from pre-opening reviews:

Jenna Sloan The Sun:

The Wizard Of Oz doesn’t officially open until March 1 but The Sun attended a special preview last night. It was the first time the show has been open to the public – and it was truly spectacular. Witches sparkled and cackled, dropping in from the ceiling and rising from the floor. The yellow brick road dips and twists like a waltzer, and fire, smoke and steam effects create a dazzling atmosphere on stage. The majestic choreography is masterminded by former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips. Kids may find the Wizard – played by West End legend Michael Crawford – a bit scary, but everyone will be terrified by the demonic flying monkeys. The London Palladium has had a £4million overhaul to make it a suitable home for the high-profile show – and it was money well spent. The incredible collapse of Dorothy’s home in the tornado is almost cinematic, as computer graphics make the winds whirl as the house spins into space. And Danielle’s performance is as impressive as the stage show.

Her rendition of Over The Rainbow made the spine tingle and earned her rapturous applause from the sell-out crowd. Her Kansas accent remained strong, and at the end of her faultless performance she received a well-deserved standing ovation. Danielle, from Urmston, Gtr Manchester, beat more than 9,000 hopefuls to land the part, with Lloyd Webber saying she “acts from the soul”. She knows she has huge ruby slippers to fill, reprising the role made famous by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie classic. But judging by last night’s performance, Danielle will ensure the Lord has yet another smash on his hands.

Neil from London Theatre Articles:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz started its preview run on 7th February at the London Palladium, with the official opening due on 1st March. I anticipate that during the remainder of February there will be some tinkering with the show, particularly in view of its mechanically technical nature. In fact when I attended the show last night it had to pause half-way through the second act due to a technical problem, which thankfully only caused a stop of a minute or two. I was pleased to see that co-producer Bill Kenwright was on hand to speak with the musical director Graham Hurman prior to the commencement of proceedings highlighting that personnel at all levels are keen to make the musical a fantastic success.

From my own perspective I thought that the musical followed fairly closely to the storyline of the 1939 film version starring Judy Garland, and together with the original story being written over 100 years ago by Lyman Frank Baum, it has certainly stood the test of time.

Danielle Hope as Dorothy

I cannot say that I like the whole process of ‘reality tv’ but if it gives an opportunity to an unknown performer to become a star then so be it, although isn’t that then detracting from all of the other professional actors that have worked for years?

That said, I thought that the performance by Danielle Hope as Dorothy was super and she deserves every success that comes her way. She performed admirably throughout and together with Toto warmed the hearts of the audience.

When watching The Wizard of Oz musical I could not help but initially think of Judy Garland and her portrayal of Dorothy in the film, and I think that it is to Danielle’s credit that she projects the image and personality of Dorothy exceedingly well, and over time for many, her face will be the one recognised for the role.

Edward Baker-Duly (Hickory/Tin Man), David Ganly (Zeke/Lion) and Paul Keating (Hunk/Scarecrow) were all superb. It would be unfair of me to quote from their performances as it might spoil it for others, but fair to say that they add some very good humour to the musical and their acting was first class.

With her natural beauty and elegance, Emily Tierney portrays the part of Glinda wonderfully and the role is perfect for her. In her long-flowing shiny silver dress Emily moves gracefully around the Land of Oz and with a lovely voice to match she will surely endure herself to The Wizard of Oz fans.

Michael Crawford as The Wizard

Michael Crawford is of course fabulous and his various parts in the musical are performed in the professional manner that we have grown to expect from him. For me personally, having seen him as Frank Spencer many years, memories came flooding back when Michael smiled his cheeky smile.

The only ‘criticism’ I would have of Michael, is that when his character of Professor Marvel sings, the ‘Kansas’ accent seemed to conflict with Michael’s natural singing voice. As a leading actor in the musical, he plays his various parts brilliantly with his enthusiasm very much appreciated by an audience that will have seen him in numerous roles.

Hannah Waddingham is outstanding as The Wicked Witch of the West (and Miss Gulch) and her performance throughout really was first class. I am sure that many in the audience will find Hannah their favourite character, although with the makeup required for the Wicked Witch of the West, they will probably find it hard to recognise her out of costume. Well done Hannah, you are brilliant!

The rest of the cast that made up the swing and ensemble all performed professionally. Well done to the choreography team, who have put together a mixture of traditional and modern dance making the scenes both entertaining and fresh.

To conclude the cast, mention must be made of the dogs that played the part of Toto. They all appeared to be very well behaved although I am not sure that some of the recorded growling came from a small dog. The nonchalant expressions made by ‘Toto’ at certain times, were quite amusing and altogether Toto helps the feel-good factor of the musical.

The musical is technically excellent with modern technology being utilised to add to the various scene/set changes, and there are several ‘wow’ moments in the musical that make the audience gasp.

Overall, this is a musical that I am sure will capture the hearts of many, especially as it has a secure and traditional storyline, is adapted with modern technology and is suitable for the whole family. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Bill Kenwright should be congratulated on what will undoubtedly bring them a successful run with The Wizard of Oz.

Debby on our Wizard of Oz Facebook Page:

Wow!! Thank you for a wonderful evening on Friday. The show was ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC!! Couldnt fault a thing – even Toto was perfectly cast!! We laughed, we cried, we oohed and aahed and we even jumped out of our seats at one point! Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in this spectacle. (Thanks too to my husband for the wonderful Xmas present that was the tickets!) XX

EVERYONE should go see it!! I cant wait til next time-may be we’ll even be able to figure out how a certain something changed colour in the blink of an eye XXX (Dont want to give anything away!)

Paul Keating:
Thank you for all the good wishes. 1st preview tonight. It’s a full house at The Palladium, so we’re in for a treat.

Of course there was a final dress run this afternoon:

Wizard of Oz was fab. Pretty impressive for a dress run. Still stuff to do but it’s gonna be awesome. Waddingham of course brilliant.

Interesting that Hannah Waddingham was picked out for a special mention there, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Avvon Chambers:
About to watch Tom Clare in the first preview of Wizard of Oz at the palladium! Ha ha!

Wizard of Oz crew with Claudia Winkleman

With the curtain about to rise on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz, we accompany some of of the cast and crew along the yellow brick road to discover more about the latest stage adaptation of one of the world’s best loved movies.

Claudia Winkelman’s Arts Show on BBC Radio2 will be accompanying some of the cast and crew along the yellow brick road tonight Feb 3rd at 22:00 to find out all about the latest stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz

Hannah Waddingham is best known for being the original Lady of The Lake in Spamalot for which she received an Olivier Award nomination and in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music and many other shows including Grease.

Hannah Waddingham – Witch of The West

“I play the Witch” – Hannah Waddingham

* Disclaimer : The information that Hannah Waddingham is to play the Wicked Witch of The West in The Wizard of Oz is entirely unofficial and may yet even turn out to be a false rumour or disinformation, although this seems unlikely, there is a slight possibility it was spun up out of the list of people who attended the new Wizard of Oz workshop:

• Hannah Waddingham  – The Wicked Witch
• Scarlett Strallen – Glinda
• David Ganly – Cowardly Lion
• Paul Keating – The Scarecrow
• John Marquez – The Tinman
• Sam Kelly – Wizard

Michael Ball will be hosting an exclusive interview with Webber about Love Never Dies as well as his production of The Wizard of Oz.

Ramin Karimloo accompanying ALW, plays the role of The Phantom in the Adelphi Theatre production of Love  Never Dies.

The episode can be seen live on ITV1 on Friday September 10th at 3pm in the afternoon, or later on the ITV Player at : http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=the%20michael%20ball%20show
Michael Ball and Andrew Lloyd Webber have worked together many time in the past, for example when Michael played Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, and Alex in Aspects of Love at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London and on Broadway.

Michael Ball DVDs