TALENTED local young people will thrill audiences as they walk the yellow brick road in Spellbound’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz, from 7th – 9th August.
The popular musical marks a milestone for the youth section of Frome Musical Theatre Company (formerly FAOS) as Annette Lee explains, “We are celebrating our 25th production and are proud to be performing ‘the Wizard of Oz’ at the Memorial Theatre.
“Launched in 1989 ‘Spellbound’ was conceived to give children and young people experience of the theatre, and to encourage them, as they grew older, to perform in the society’s other productions. Many of the society’s members today have performed with Spellbound over the past 25 years and indeed some of their children are performing with us this year.
“The first show ‘Godspell’ was performed by a small cast, but over the years, Spellbound has gone from strength to strength and each year now attracts around 100 youngsters to its Easter workshop.
“After auditions during this workshop, we rehearse weekly until the first week of the summer holidays when there is an intensive one-week workshop, where most of the rehearsing takes place, before a fully costumed production at the end of the following week.
“This is now one of most important parts of the Frome Musical Theatre Company calendar, as not only does it give youngsters a wonderful opportunity to be involved in musical theatre, but also adds life skills that will be transferable as they move on. Things like communication skills, team building and confidence raising are all obvious benefits that those involved enjoy.
“The production team this year has assembled a strong cast with Astrid Bishop as Dorothy, Nathan Lamb the Scarecrow, Michael Hill the Tinman and Callum Close as the Cowardly Lion. Add to that great singers and dancers performing as munchkins, crows, jitterbugs, flying monkeys and winkies and many familiar songs, lots of dancing and spectacular costumes, this is a show for all the family and one not to be missed.
“Audiences are in for a real treat as they are transported from Kansas to Oz with Dorothy and Toto. And don’t forget to watch out for those lions, tigers and bears in the forest as you ‘follow the yellowbrick road’ with Dorothy and her friends as they journey to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz.”
Spellbound is performing in the Memorial Theatre from Thursday 7th August – Saturday 9th August at 7.00pm and this year there will also be a matinee performance at 2.00pm on Saturday 9th.
Tickets cost £10 or concessions for over 60s £9.00, and £8 for under 16s, and are available from the theatre box office or online at www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk
