wizard-of-oz | Theatre Breaks

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Over the Rainbow – the judges

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/over-the-rainbow-the-judges.html

The search for Dorothy Over the Rainbow continues Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for Dorothy this Easter weekend. By Sunday night we will know which girl will go home and definitely not be Dorothy. While we wait for that result I thought I’d take a look at the panel of judges, tell you a bit more about each of them and explain why they are uniquely qualified to help choose Dorothy. Charlotte Church I suppose most of us know who Charlotte Church is, or at least think we do. After all some of us remember her first TV appearance with Richard and Judy. On that occasion she was a child with an amazing voice who sang Pie Jesu down a phone line because her aunt had rung in to Good Morning. Charlotte Church We watched her grow up and for a while turn into a bit of a wild child. Well, she’s moved on somewhat since that. Although she doesn’t have any musical theatre experience there is a lot she could teach the Dorothies. She’s a very good technical singer with a deep understanding of how voices work. She also seems to be quite good at explaining to the girls which aspects of their singing they need to work on. John Partridge John Partridge We all know John Partridge best these days from his soap career as a member of the EastEnders cast but he has a long history in musical theatre. John was a member of the touring cast of Cats in 1988 at the tender age of 17 so he understands some of what the younger Dorothies are going to face. Then much later he starred in the West End production of Cats first as Rum Tum Tugger and later as Mukustrap. He also played Rum Tum Tugger in the film. John has also played lead roles in Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Rent. He’s bringing this depth of musical theatre experience to the panel and giving the girls quite detailed feedback on their performances. Sheila Hancock Sheila Hancock What to say about a trouper like Sheila Hanock? She’s a gifted and intelligent actress who also sings. She has an impressive depth of knowledge and experience in the theatre. Her list of theatrical credits would take up the whole page! An alumnus of Joan Littlewood’s famous Theatre Workshop, Sheila has been treading the West End stage since 1958. She’s currently appearing in Sister Act as the Mother Superior and still enthralling audiences. The best thing about her in this context though is that she can and does clearly and precisely tell the girls how to improve their performances. Dorothies or Dorothys? I’m torn. Should it be ‘Dorothies‘ or ‘Dorothys’. I’ve checked and that august organ the BBC uses Dorothys. I was always taught that proper nouns (names etc.) that ended in ‘y’ took ’s’ for their plural form. but my co-writer here, and editor, Andy prefers Dorothies. Which of us is correct? Do you know? a
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- john partridge
- Musical Theatre
- pie jesu
- richard and judy
- rum tum tugger
- tv appearance
- partridge
- church
- dorothies
- sheila
April 4 2010, 5:45am | Comments »
I posted to usefulwiki.com

Over the Rainbow Programme 2

http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/over-the-rainbow-programme-2.html

The search for Dorothy The BBC show Over the Rainbow quickly narrowed the field from 20 hopeful Dorothys down to 10 this week. I watched the show with Andy, my co-writer here and author of the Wizard of Oz London blog. The girls worked in 5 groups of 4 and each group faced the judges twice. The groups each sang a pop song and then met with some of our favourite West End leading ladies to work on a show song. First I’ll go through my impressions of how they got on and then I’ll share some video of the show and tell you what I thought of each of the final 10 potential Dorothys. Tamzin Outhwaite – Sweet Charity Song:If They Could See Me Now It was hard to focus on the group whilst they were with Tamzin, the camera undoubtedly loves her. She gave them some good advice and some of this group worked really well. It’s such a classic song in a way this group had an easier time than some. Having said that I was impressed. Dorothy might just be in this group. After the group sang ALW made Tamzin blush by saying how fabulous he thought she is in Sweet Charity. Sheridan Smith – Legally Blond Song: Legally Blond Sheridan Smith was funny and helpful and I thought her group would do well. Legally Blond isn’t an easy song, and though the group were OK they were a bit stiff. A couple of them still might be Dorothy. Kerry Ellis – We Will Rock You Song: Somebody to Love Despite excellent advice from Kerry this group didn’t do very well. They found the rock number tricky. Although they did their best it was obvious that some of them struggled with the rock format. Ruthie Henshall – Chicago Song: All That Jazz Ruthie was divine, of course. Full of good advice she guided them through their song. It is a deceptively easy song that relies heavily on good timing and they made quite a success of it. Her group were also probably the best dancers. Dorothy might be in this group. Mel C – Blood Brothers Song: Tell Me It’s Not True This group were totally in awe of meeting a Spice Girl but she soon put them at their ease. She told her group to keep their song ’small’, they did. It’s a sad and difficult song and the best I can say is that it was OK. One of them forgot what the song was about and kept grinning. Understandable given the pressure but not good. Having said all that one member of this group really caught my eye as a potential Dorothy The final 10 +1 The format is that the judges picked their 10 with the ‘help’ of ALW. Click here to view the embedded video. So the final 10 are…. Danielle Hope, 17, from Manchester I quite like Danielle. I think she’ll do well but I’m not sure she’s right for Dorothy. Amy Diamond, 22, from Cheshire Oh dear. I’m sure she’s got a great voice and is talented but er, she’s too grown up to be Dorothy. She’s a woman and she will have to be an amazing actress to make me believe she is a child. Lauren Samuels, 22, from London Again, lovely and talented but not maybe not Dorothy. I might be wrong and I would like to see more of her. Bronte Barbe, 18, from Cheshire She’s definitely got some sort of charisma, nice voice but I’m just not sure. Need to see more of her. Jenny Douglas, 18, from Scotland Not bad at all, she stood out in what was not that strong a group. I’m not sure what her dancing is like and we’re told they need a Dorothy that can dance as well as sing. Steph Fearon, 21, from London Good voice, tended to be a little bit too R&B sometimes. She’s a possible I think if they really are looking for a different Dorothy. Dani Rayner, 16, from Cheshire Youngest in the competition Dani really could be Dorothy. AWL likes her, she’s got a great voice and she seems to be a good actress. I was impressed. Sophie Evans, 17, from Wales As Andy (my co-writer and Wizard of Oz London blog) said “She’s Welsh, of course she can sing” . He’s right and I think she can act a bit too. I’d like her to do well but I’m not sure about the dancing … Stephanie Davis, 17, from Merseyside Very pretty, she’d make a charming Dorothy. I’d like to see more of her acting though. Jessica Robinson, 18, from Middlesborough Great face, something of the Liza Minnelli there. Little bit gawky and awkward in the pop song but she was totally at home in her show tune. She could be Dorothy.. And the wild card….. I wonder who you think should make it through? Then the other 10 sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow so the public could decide who they wanted to bring back: Click here to view the embedded video. Personally I liked Sarah but I think they are all really talented and, though they may not be Dorothy, we haven’t seen the last of any of them. Of course we’re in the world of social media now so you can follow the remaining Dorothys’ adventures on twitter - @overtherainbow or on Facebook and catch up on any shows you miss on the Over the Rainbow Youtube channel or on iPlayer. If you just want a quick catch-up I think Andy will be doing that on the Wizard of Oz London blog So who do you think will be Dorothy? a
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- we will rock you
- west end
- blood brothers
- chicago
- Sheridan Smith
- Kerry Ellis
- Ruthie Henshall
- wizard of oz
- Dorothy
- dorothys
- mel c
- Rent
- spice girl
- sweet charity
- rainbow
- twitter
- cheshire
- blond
April 1 2010, 10:05am | Comments »
I posted to wizardofozlondon.co.uk

Friday Over The Rainbow – The search for Dorothy Begins

http://wizardofozlondon.co.uk/26/friday-over-the-rainbow-the-search-for-dorothy-begins/

Over The Rainbow Begins on Friday! The long awaited casting show “Over The Rainbow” actually begins on BBC 1 this Friday, March 26th 2010. So if you enjoyed following the previous casting shows “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?”, “Any Dream Will Do” and “I’d Do Anything” then Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest is not to be missed. Lord Lloyd Webber teams up once again with the same TV host Graham Norton in search of the best Dorothy to star in the upcoming Wizard of Oz London stage musical. Over The Rainbow Judges Talented hopefuls, bursting to wear Judy Garland’s famous red shoes on the West End stage will battle it out to impress the Over The Rainbow judges, who have been confirmed as follows:

Cardiff’s favourite Singer Charlotte Church EastEnders stars John Partridge Legendary actress Sheila Hancock, from Sister Act Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber himself.

Over the Rainbow Judges
March 22 2010, 7:58am | Comments »
I posted to wizardofozlondon.co.uk

Happy New Year 2010 – The Year of the Wizard!

http://wizardofozlondon.co.uk/21/happy-new-year-2010-the-year-of-the-wizard/

A very happy New Year for 2010 from The Wizard of Oz London blog – We think it’s going to be The Year of the Wizard!
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- London
- wizard of oz
- happy new year
- Wizard of Oz London
- blog
January 1 2010, 10:59am | Comments »
I posted to theatrebreaksltb.co.uk

Happy New Year from Theatre Breaks

http://theatrebreaksltb.co.uk/227/happy-new-year-from-theatre-breaks/

Happy New Year for 2010 from the Theatre Breaks LTB blog team.

It’s been a great year in London’s West End with some surprise hits and some unfortunate flops as well, and we look forward to 2010 especially with the opening of the Phantom of The Opera sequel Love Never Dies and the new Wizard of Oz.
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- Theatre Breaks
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- blog
- Surprise Hits
- Wizard Oz
- Phantom Of The Opera Sequel
December 31 2009, 10:25am | Comments »
I posted to theatrebreaksinlondon.co.uk

Happy New Year Theatre Breaks In London

http://theatrebreaksinlondon.co.uk/57/happy-new-year-theatre-breaks-in-london/

Happy New Year for 2010 from the Theatre Breaks in London blog team. It’s been a great year in London’s West End with some surprise hits and some unfortunate flops as well, and we look forward to 2010 especially with the opening of the Phantom of The Opera continuation Love Never Dies and the new Wizard of Oz. January is a busy tine for the travel and entertainments industries so we hope you all manage to find the best theatre breaks in London bargains out of all the new deals and offers floating about at this time of year.
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- theatre breaks in london
- west end
- Phantom of the Opera
- wizard of oz
- love
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- blog
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- Continuation
- Entertainments
- New London
- Surprise Hits
- Theatre London
- Time Of Year
- Tine
- Wizard Oz
December 31 2009, 10:12am | Comments »
I posted to theatrebreaks.co

Happy New Year from Theatre Breaks

http://theatrebreaks.co/111/happy-new-year-from-theatre-breaks/

Happy New Year for 2010 from the Theatre Breaks blog team at CityEscapes. It’s been a great year in London’s West End with some surprise hots and some unfortunate flops as well, and we look forward to 2010 especially with the opening of the Phantom of The Opera sequel Love Never Dies and the new Wizard of Oz.
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- London
- west end
- Phantom of the Opera
- shows
- wizard of oz
- Love Never Dies
- happy new year
- surprise
December 31 2009, 10:07am | Comments »
I posted to wizardofozlondon.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz 1939

http://wizardofozlondon.co.uk/19/the-wizard-of-oz-1939/

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! This trailer is from the mid-50s when they tried to edit the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie for widescreen, but the colour is orginal I think.

What a remarkable film it was for its time, and how appropriate to be making a stage revival in 2010 of all years.
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- stage
- colour
- wizard of oz
- trailer
- revival
- widescreen
- wizard of oz 1939
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- wonderful wizard of oz
December 22 2009, 11:45am | Comments »
I posted to theatrebreaks.co

Wizard of Oz London

http://theatrebreaks.co/109/wizard-of-oz-london/

The Wizard of Oz, one of the most well known musicals ever because of the famous MGM film starring Judy Garland, is coming to London in 2010. Yes, our old friends the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow will be following the yellow brick with a Dorothy chosen by another TV casting show called “Over The Rainbow” or possibly also “The Wizard of Oz” depending who you believe. The Wizard of Oz London
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- lion
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- judy garland
- Scarecrow
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December 12 2009, 2:28pm | Comments »
I posted to wizardofozlondon.co.uk

Over The Rainbow Auditions for Wizard Of Oz Dorothy

http://wizardofozlondon.co.uk/12/over-the-rainbow-auditions-for-wizard-of-oz-dorothy/

Over The Rainbow Auditions Do you think you could be Andrew Lloyd Webber’s next leading lady? Would you give anything to become Dorothy in the new London West End production of The Wizard of Oz? Follow in the footsteps of previous winners Connie Fisher, Lee Mead and Jodie Prenger by applying to be part of a TV show challenge to find Dorothy, this one called “Over The Rainbow” beginning in 2010.

Dorothy Wanted for Over The Rainbow

The BBC has just opened applications for their newest reality TV show ‘Over The Rainbow’ , to be judged by a team including Andrew Lloyd Webber and the voting public. Auditions are open to everyone, no matter how much or how little experience you have and nationwide auditions for Dorothy begin in January 2010. All applicants must have been aged 16 or over by 26 June 2009. Apply online now to book your audition
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- Lee Mead
- west end
- Jodie Prenger
- auditions
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- connie fisher
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- audition
- reality tv show
November 26 2009, 8:04am | Comments »
I posted to wizardofozlondon.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz is coming to London

http://wizardofozlondon.co.uk/5/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!
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- London
- west end
- Phantom of the Opera
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- wizard of oz
- judy garland
- big brother
November 18 2009, 6:29am | Comments »
I posted to theatrebreaks.co

Wicked Theatre Breaks

http://theatrebreaks.co/88/wicked-theatre-breaks/

Wicked Theatre Breaks in London Wicked is the international hit musical show based on a prequel to Wizard of Oz with productions in major cities worldwide and the London Wicked is probably the est of all. The role of Elphaba , the wicked witch has recently been taken over by a young star called Alexia Khadime and the Wicked fans are loving here. Here’s a sample from last week’s West End Live in which Alexia sings “The Wizard and I”

Video by theatre breaks youTube Who goes on Wicked Theatre Breaks? Ok there may be a large contingent of youthful women prsent at Wicked performances, the story does after all speak to young women and it’s an unusual show in having two female leads, but that doesn’t mean older people of either gender won’t enjoy it just as much – the singing is absolutely fantastic and it’s a wonderful wonderland set. Wicked theatre breaks for couples are popular whatever the mixture of tastes and preferences if you see what I mean. Just get yourself down to Victoria, London and have a ball anyway. ** book Wicked Theatre Breaks in London **
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- Theatre Breaks
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- west end
- wicked
- Alexia Khadime
- Elphaba
- West End LIVE
- Oz
- prequel
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- wicked witch
- Wizard
- wizard of oz
June 30 2009, 9:14am | Comments »