First seen in London, the Canadian premiere of The Wizard of Oz opened Jan. 13 after previews that began Dec. 20, 2012. It stars Danielle Wade, who won the role of Dorothy in CBC-TV's "Over The Rainbow" competition.
Tickets for the extension will go on sale to the general public Jan. 28. American Express cardholders can currently purchase tickets for the extension.
This marks the professional debut of Wade. Producers Bill Kenwright, The Really Useful Group, David Mirvish, Troika Entertainment & Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures are behind the production — an all-Canadian cast marking the North American premiere of this new stage adaptation of the MGM picture based on the L. Frank Baum story.
Playing opposite Wade is Gemini Award winner, film and theatre veteran Cedric Smith as the Wizard.
Lisa Horner, star of Shaw and Stratford productions and best known for her role as Claire in the Fringe hit My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, plays the Wicked Witch. Actor and choreographer Mike Jackson plays the Tin Man. Lee MacDougall (Mamma Mia! and a Dora Award winner for his play High Life) plays the Lion. Jamie McKnight, known for his performance in The Producers (and as one of the Canadian Tenors), plays the Scarecrow. Robin Evan Willis, star of many Shaw Festival productions, plays Glinda. The ensemble includes Larry Mannell as Uncle Henry, Charlotte Moore as Aunt Em, Jordan Bell, Eric Coles, Sam DiGiuseppe, Chelsey Duplak, John Edwards, Kelly Grainger, Sarah Higgins, Julianne Hobby, Jason Huska, Zak Kearns, Ayrin Mackie, Anthony MacPherson, Stewart Adam McKensy, Julia McLellan, Kristen Pottle, Alana Randall, Adam Sergison, Sarah Slywchuk, Andrew Taylor, Jesse Weafer, Cleopatra Williams, Ryan Wilson and Alyson Workman.
As in London, Jeremy Sams (The Sound of Music, Broadway's 13, Noises Off) directs.
The musical is developed from the MGM screenplay, and includes "all the beloved songs" by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Expect "We're Off the See the Wizard," "Over the Rainbow," "If I Only Had a Brain/Heart/Nerve" and more.
The Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly the Canon) is at 244 Victoria St. in Toronto. For tickets and information, visit mirvish.com.
