Leicester Curve has unveiled the full cast for the regional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s version of The Wizard of Oz this Christmas.
As previously announced, Georgina Onuorah (Cinderella, Gillian Lynne Theatre, Millennials, The Other Palace Studio) will make her Curve debut as Dorothy. Onuorah will take to the yellow brick road alongside Jonny Fines (Curve’s My Beautiful Laundrette and An Officer and a Gentleman) as Scarecrow, Paul French (Curve’s Grease, Dominion Theatre) as Tin Man and Giovanni Spanó (Bat Out of Hell, London Coliseum) as Lion. Ben Thompson (101 Dalmatians, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) will take on the role of Dorothy’s canine companion Toto, brought to life on stage using puppetry.
They will be joined by stage, screen and YouTube sensation Christina Bianco (Little Voice, UK tour) as Glinda, with Charlotte Jaconelli (Heathers the Musical, Theatre Royal Haymarket and Britain’s Got Talent runner-up) as the Wicked Witch of the West. Leicester actor Mark Peachey, who made his Curve debut in the theatre’s community production of Richard III and has recently appeared in Dear Evan Hansen in the West End, will take on the role of Professor Marvel and the Wizard.
Dorothy’s Aunt Em will be played by Jacqui Dubois (Bedknobs and Broomsticks, UK tour) and Uncle Henry will be played by Geoffrey Aymer (last seen on Curve’s stage in the WhatsOnStage Award-winning Made at Curve production of The Color Purple).
The cast is completed by Andrew Dillon, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Martin McCarthy, Ellie Mitchell, Natasha Mould, Mervin Noronha, Amy Oxley, Andrew Patrick-Walker, Christina Shand, Charlotte St. Croix, Tom Watson and Daisy West.
Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster directs the Made At Curve production which will play the festive season at the popular venue from 19 November 2022 until 8 January 2023. The production will be choreographed by Shay Barclay with set design by Colin Richmond, costume and puppet design from Rachael Canning and projection designs by Douglas O’Connell. Following on from the five-star success of Curve’s summer production of Billy Elliot the Musical, George Dyer will return as musical director. The company has been assembled by Curve associate casting director Kay Magson.
The production team also includes: magic consultant Scott Penrose; props supervisor Marcus Hall Props; costume supervisor Anna Josephs; wigs, hair and make-up designer Elizabeth Marini; production manager Patrick Molony; associate director Christopher Key; associate choreographer Kate Ivory-Jordan; and RTYDS resident assistant director Lilac Yosiphon.
Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and Foster said: “Joining our extraordinary Dorothy, Georgina Onuorah, on the glorious yellow brick road, a company of musical theatre’s finest. Jonny Fines, Paul French and Giovanni Spano will raise the roof as Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion respectively.
“Christina Bianco and Charlotte Jaconelli ignite the Emerald City with Glinda and the Wicked Witch. We are thrilled to welcome them all, alongside a phenomenally talented company of actors, who will bring this magical musical to life.
“Christmas at Curve is always a special time of the year, but this year promises to be extra special with families and children of all ages coming together to share this much loved musical adventure with magnificent actors, all born to play these iconic roles. There’s no place like Curve this Christmas!”
Based on the enduringly popular 1939 MGM film, The Wizard of Oz features music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, additional music by Lloyd Webber and additional lyrics by Rice. The hit version of L. Frank Baum’s classic story of Dorothy’s magical adventure was adapted by Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams.
Reviving their successful West End musical-writing partnership for the first time in three decades, Lloyd Webber and Rice’s The Wizard of Oz premiered in the West End in 2011 following a high-profile TV talent search for an unknown actress to play Dorothy. Danielle Hope won the battle to wear the ruby slippers opposite Michael Crawford as The Wizard for the show’s opening run with fellow finalist Sophie Evans stepping in 2012. Russell Grant and Des O’Connor also took on the role of The Wizard during 2012.
Angela Thomas
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