Horsham Arts Council begins its eight-show run of The Wizard of Oz this week, with a cast of seasoned performers and new faces bringing the classic story to the stage.

The 60-year-old amateur performing arts group, which last year won a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria award for The Last 10 Years, has previously staged popular productions including Grease, The Wedding Singer, Rock of Ages, The Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables, and Godspell.

Co-executive producer and ensemble member Ian Bennett said tickets were selling fast for The Wizard of Oz’s new dates; its May shows were rescheduled when Horsham Town Hall closed during an investigation.

“We are expecting we will get quite a few sold-out shows,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very magical, uplifting experience for everyone. 

“Unfortunately, because of the delay, we lost a couple of cast members and a couple of people can only do a few shows now, but we have accommodated everyone the best we can.”

Bennett said there were many returning performers, as well as a lot of new faces to Horsham Arts Council that would delight everyone.

Harriet Overman will play Dorothy in her first lead role, with Darcy Hogan, Scarecrow; Noah Wineberg, Tinman; Loucas Vettos the Emerald City guard; and Noah Mibus, Cowardly Lion.

The Wicked Witch will be played by Stacey Brennan, Glinda the good witch by Jessica Wilson, and the Wizard of Oz by Simon Dandy. 

Sandy Wills will play Aunty Em and Malcolm Smith, Uncle Henry, and 28 children aged from five to 12 years will form two casts to perform alternate shows.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there to watch this classic for a trip down memory lane,” Bennett said.

Animations on the big screen have been produced in Horsham by graphice designer Tom Miatke.

People can buy tickets at Horsham Town Hall website horshamtownhall.com.au/the-wizard-of-oz and the box office for shows: 7.30pm, June 11; 7.30pm, June 12; 4pm, June 13; 1.30pm, June 14; 7.30pm, June 18; 7.30pm, June 19; 7.30pm, June 20; and 1.30pm, June 21. 

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