The Wizard of Oz received four nominations in the 2012 Whatsonstage.com Awards. During the past month, more than 10,000 London theatre goers have been busy nominating their favourite productions. The shortlist was announced on Friday 2nd December today at the Cafe de Paris in London, and voting is now open for theatre fans to choose their winners at the Whatsonstage.com website. Voting closes on 31st January 2012, and the winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 19th February. The Wizard of Oz’s four nominations are:

Best Musical Revival – The Wizard of Oz London Newcomer of the Year – Danielle Hope Best Supporting Actress in a Musical – Hannah Waddingham Best Set Designer – Robert Jones

CLICK HERE to cast your vote!  

Whatsonstage.com Awards – Theatregoers Choice Awards

James Franco will play the young wizard in Oz The Great and Powerful, a feature film from Walt Disney Pictures that began production on July 25th 2011, directed by Sam Raimi. 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

The New Wizard of Oz London Cast Recording The full London cast album recording of The Wizard Of Oz is to be released on 2nd May 2011 on Polydor Records in association with Really Useful Group. The 24 track set includes all the much-loved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg plus new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The Wizard Of Oz cast recording features the full London cast of performers including the multi-award winning Michael Crawford and Danielle Hope, the winner of the BBC One hit TV show Over The Rainbow. The superb supporting cast comprises of Edward Baker-Duly (Tin Man), David Ganly (Cowardly Lion), Paul Keating (Scarecrow), Emily Tierney (Glinda) and Hannah Waddingham (Wicked Witch Of the West) accompanied by a 36 strong ensemble. Here’s the track listing from the show: Tracklisting ACT ONE 1. Overture 2. Nobody Understands Me 3. Over The Rainbow 4. Wonders Of The World 5. The Twister 6. Arrival In Munchkinland 7. Munchkinland / Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead 8. Follow The Yellow Brick Road 9. If I Only Had A Brain / We’re Off To See The Wizard 10. If I Only Had A Heart / We’re Off To See The Wizard 11. If I Only Had The Nerve / We’re Off To See The Wizard 12. We’re Outta The Woods 13. The Merry Old Land Of Oz 14. Bring Me The Broomstick ACT TWO 15. Haunted Forest 16. Red Shoe Blues 17. Bacchanalia 18. Red Shoe Blues (Reprise) 19. Over The Rainbow (Reprise) 20. If We Only Had A Plan 21. The Rescue 22. Hail Hail! The Witch is Dead 23. The Wizards Departure 24. Finale Read more: http://theatrebreaks.co/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz#The_New_Wizard_of_Oz_London_Cast_Recording#ixzz1IeYsvze4

The Wizard of Oz London Palladium

A great photo of the Wizard of Oz sign outside the London Palladium taken by Fizikal Rex / Dave Bond used here with permission.

Hannah Waddingham sings Red Shoes Blues

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.

So The Wizard of Oz opened in London yesterday with a sort of press night and now the reviews are starting to come in thick and fast. Ignoring the preemptive reviews such as that in the Sun far too early on, what are the papers saying about Danielle Hope and The Wizard of Oz today? 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. 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.

Michael Crawford, The Wizard of Oz himself was the mystery guest on Chris Evans’ radio 1 show this morning. If you’re one of the few lucky people to have seen him earlier this week at the Palladium, he is truly marvellous in the Waizard role. Chris Evans asked Michael Crawford if anything has gone wrong in the previews so far, having started at the beginning of the week. Crawford said he has an interesting exit in a balloon which has caused some problems. One night a bit fell off it narrowly missing people on the stage but luckily they did see it coming and scattered, and then again last night he pushed the balloon in the wrong direction and it crashed into the set. Oops!

Michael Crawford and Danielle Hope

Of course it’s wrong to review a new show like The Wizard of Oz while it’s still in previews, because the performance you see in previews is not the same as the final Wizard of Oz musical after the press night or opening. Nevertheless, hundreds of people have been to see the show already and we will be curious to find out from them what they thought of it, and the performances of Danielle Hope, Michael Crawford and the rest of the cast. 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.

Tonight, Monday February 7th 2011 is the night of the first preview for The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Everybody is so excited! 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.

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

Well there wasn’t that much to see of Danielle Hope on the One Show it turned out in the end, but Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber told a few interesting anecdotes about the preparations for the first previews of The Wizard of Oz coming up in just about a week.

Danielle Hope is on The One Show tonight, January 25th at 7.00pm. Danielle is of course in the middle of rehearsals playing Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical The Wizard of Oz, which starts previews in just over a week’s time now! The first Wizard of Oz performance should be at the London Palladium on 7th February 2011. The One Show visits Danielle Hope with Toto in her dressing room at the London Palladium. The One Show is on on BBC1 at 7:00 pm

It’s begun. After years of planning, The Wizard of Oz stage show begins to take shape and look how many people are waiting to take their place on the yellow brick road.

Michael Crawford, Danielle Hope, Hannah Waddingham and all arrive for the first day of rehearsals of The Wizard of Oz London Palladium.

It looks like the full Wizard of Oz London cast has been announced now with no new surprises. Edward Baker-Duly is the Tin Man David Ganly, The Cowardly Lion, Paul Keating as The Scarecrow Emily Tierney as Glinda Hannah Waddingham as the Wicked Witch of the West Michael Crawford as The Wizard and of course Danielle Hope as Dorothy

Danielle Hope was on The Alan Titchmarsh Show yesterday to talk about her upcoming role in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.

Rehearsals start in six weeks time with previews starting on February 7th 2011. Danielle Hope will be doing seven shows a week as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and is currently in training at the Arts Educational School.

Paul Keating cast as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz There’s a very strong rumour that Paul Keating has been cast as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. It’s lent total credibility by tweets from Paul Keating himself:

So Who is Paul Keating? Well, Paul Keating has a distinguished stage career already.  He was Tommy in the West End production of Pete Townshend’s musical in 1996 gaining an Olivier award nomination. Paul has also appeared in * Lost in Yonkers (1992/3) at the Novello Theatre * Assassins at the New End Theatre. * Escape from Pterodactyl Island at the Pleasance Theatre * La Cava (2000) at the Piccadilly Theatre and Victoria Palace Theatre . * Closer to Heaven, a musical by the Pet Shop Boys and Jonathan Harvey, receiving a second Olivier award. * The Rose and the Ring at the Hen and Chickens Theatre (2001/2) * Full Monty at the Prince of Wales Theatre . * Don Carlos by Frederick Schiller at The Crucible Theatre Sheffield and Gielgud Theatre, London. * Gladiator Games by Tanika Gupta at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. * Little Shop of Horrors at the Menier Chocolate Factory and  the Duke of York’s Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre. * Blowing Whistles, alongside Stuart Laing and newcomer Daniel Finn. * Tick… tick… BOOM!  at the Duchess Theatre. Here’s a trailer video from the little Shop of Horrors in which Paul Keating starred opposite Sheridan Smith who is currently in Legally Blonde

A 100th birthday party was held for and at the London Palladium where The Wizard of Oz will open next February.  Andrew Lloyd Webber , Danielle Hope, Bruce Forsyth, Michael Ball and a host of other celebrities associated with the Palladium were present on a Tuesday lunchtime to unveil a plaque, toast one of London’s favourite theatres, and hear Andrew Lloyd Webber talk about the planned refurbishment.

London Palladium 1910- 2010 100 years of great entertainment

Speaking to a glittering showbiz audience including Phillip Schofield, Elaine Paige, Jason Donovan, Bruce Forsyth, and Des O’Connor Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “Today’s celebration is about recognising the rich history of this wonderful theatre and the fantastic performers who have graced its stage. It is also about the beginning of the biggest programme of refurbishment and change in the Palladium’s history and I’m delighted to announce the restoration of the iconic revolving stage and plans for the complete refurbishment of the front of house areas.”

The main entrance and facade need to be repaired, a new box office area created, a new lift installed, and toilet facilities improved all before The Wizard of Oz opens in February 2011.

Danielle Hope was there of course, and spoke about her forthcoming part in the history of the London Palladium as Dorothy, leading role in The Wizard of Oz:

“Hello! and happy 100th birthday to the London Palladium. What an amazing afternoon. A wonderful group of people and such a great place to celebrate, I’m so proud  that I can be a part of it. There has been such tremendous history here, so far, and hopefully I shall make some more, all good I hope. So have a look at the cake, and Happy Birthday Palladium, cheers”

As you probably know by now, The Wizard of Oz begins previews in London during February 2011, with the exact start date as yet not firm, but advertised as 7th february and with a provisional official opening date and press night of March 1st 2011. Well here’s another landmark date for the process at the London Palladium, with a special charity gala night full performance of The Wizard of Oz in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity “Theatres for Theatres” Appeal. Following the excitement of BBC TV’s smash hit Over the Rainbow, we are delighted to announce a special gala performance of the family musical, The Wizard of Oz, coming to the London Palladium on Tuesday 15th of February 2011. This enchanting adaptation of the much-loved classic has been completely reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team behind the recent revival of the Sound of Music. The new production contains all of your favourite songs from the Oscar winning movie score, all the characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including breathtaking scenery and a revolving stage, and some new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Spectators will get a chance to see Danielle Hope, the winner of Over the Rainbow who captured the hearts of the country, playing the role of Dorothy. Danielle will also be joined by Michael Crawford as the Wizard. Crawford is internationally renowned for originating the title role in The Phantom of the Opera and loved by millions for his role in the classic British sitcom, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. via We’re off to see the Wizard of Oz Charity Gala… and Michael Crawford is the Wizard! « Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Theatres for Theatres is an exciting three-year initiative to raise £4 million to make a dramatic difference to the lives of our young patients requiring specialist brain surgery. The initiative will help to fund two new state-of-the-art operating theatres to be used by the Neurosciences team. The theatres will be used to treat children with complex and often life-threatening neurological and craniofacial conditions. Theatres for Theatres will create world-class facilities which could allow treatment of up to 20 per cent more children in the next ten years.

Actress Carrie Sutton has been cast in The Wizard of Oz with a  contract up until early 2012 according to The Scunthorpe Telegraph . “I’m looking forward to working with Andrew Lloyd Webber for the first time and Michael Crawford who is playing the wizard. The London Palladium feels like my second home. The Wizard of Oz will be my third performance here and I have a contract until early 2012.” Carrie Sutton is currently in Sister Act and has been working with Sheila Hancock and Whoopi Goldberg at The London Palladium, the exact same theatre where The Wizard of Oz will open in 2011. She has also been in Cabaret, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Imagine This. Carrie has done a lot of chorus work and understudying lead roles so far in her career but what will be her role in The Wizard of Oz? If Hannah Waddigham is confirmed as the WIcked Witch then would probably leave Carrie the role of Glinda, the Good Witch.

Carrie Sutton is in Sister Act at the London Palladium

More news from the Wizard of Oz casting process is coming out, as yet unconfirmed, that Hannah Waddingham will play the Wicked Witch of The West. The news follows close after the official announcement just three days ago that Michael Crawford is to be 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