The Wizard of Oz | Let’s look back

Thursday, 7 December, was a big day for the entire The Wizard of Oz cast and crew. After several months of tedious rehearsals, it was finally Premiere Night. And what a night it was. Fine Arts Director, Richard Russo, summarized it like this:

“It has been a long journey that has brought us to an exciting and enthralling show.

I would like to pay tribute to the most excellent people I have been travelling with on my own personal yellow brick road. First and foremost, my wonderful cast from the smallest Munchkin to the largest apple tree. They have been my guiding lights and my inspiration, always pulling me forward, making me happy and thrilling me with their achievements on our stage.

Then there is my brilliant stage crew. What would I have done without their hard work during long hours dealing with the most challenging technical requirements a show has presented any crew in the AIS theatre for many years? Their dependability and responsible attitude to your work have been a massive help to me.

Now the parent support teams – just look at the costumes, the setting, the props and dry ice, the front of house, our ticket sales, make-up and lots of other unsung areas that mums and dads have shown support to for this enterprise. Hours and hours of dedicated work and giving me encouragement and cheering me up. So unbelievably valuable to me.

And last, but certainly not least, my superb production team – Dianne, Sylvie, Natasha and James. Their patience, their ‘can do’ positive approach, their creativity and most of all their hard work has filled me with admiration and gratitude.

All these elements came together to create the performance you say in our Theatre.

“Then close your eyes, and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself: There’s no place like home!” Glinda the Good Witch.”

Photos | Interviews