The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (1856-1919). A 1902 stage play based on his children’s novel (1900). First staged in Chicago then on Broadway 1903. Ran for nearly 300 performances from January 21, 1903 to December 31, 1904, followed by travelling tours of the original cast. Made into an iconic film starring Judy Garland.

Performance history in South Africa
South African productions include a version by Taubie Kushlick for the Children's Theatre at the University Great Hall in 1965. Musical direction by Keith Blundell, extra music and lyrics by Des Lindberg, choreography by Dawn Silver (Lindberg), set design by Nina Campbell-Quine and costumes by Heather MacDonald-Rouse.

In December 1986 Mavis Taylor directed a production in the Nico Malan Theatre starring Sandi Schultz, Marthinus Basson, David Dennis, Mark Graham, Diane Wilson and Lionel Newton. Decor designed by Louis Jansen van Vuuren and Peter Cazalet.

Presented by PACOFS in the Sand du Plessis Theatre in August 1991 directed by David Matheson, music directed by Norbert Nowotny, costume and decor design by Penny Simpson, choreography by Di Ruddick. Tobie Cronjé appeared as the Wicked Witch, Paul Buckby portrayed the Scarecrow, Paul Lückhoff the Tinman and Mike Huff the Lion. Other cast members were Bella Mariani, John Dennison, Joey Wishnia and Rory Rosenberg.

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