Auditions for a new production of the musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is set to take place next month in Dubai.

Popular Productions, the producers behind the UAE’s biggest hit musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver!, The Sound of Music, and Disney High School Musical, is seeking UAE-based dancers, singers and actors to be part of the cast.

Auditions will take place at the Madinat Theatre on November 22 and 23 and is open to those from 7 to 60 years of age.

The musical will be on stage at the theatre from April 3 to 18, 2014, as part of the Oscar winning 1939 movie’s 75th anniversary celebration.

It will be produced in association with the West End Stage Experience, the provider of theatre training and performance experiences in the UAE with eight other large scale productions.

The cast will rehearse for five weeks and perform under the supervision of the creative team, alongside professional performers from London’s West End. They will develop skills in acting, dancing and singing as well as gaining experience in professional theatre. A training fee will be applicable for the successful auditionees, which covers license costs, three weeks of rehearsals and training workshops plus the two weeks of performances.

The Wizard of Oz will be produced by John Payton and Lucy Magee for Popular Productions.

Producer Magee said: ‘We have been looking forward to bringing this classic MGM movie musical to the Dubai stage for some years and cannot wait to get started. Its much loved story makes this one of the best loved musicals worldwide and the show features all the famous songs, characters and memorable settings of Kansas, The Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City.”

“We’re delighted to be auditioning for a cast in the UAE – many roles are available to audition for and the UAE has plenty of fantastic talent, which we know will work perfectly alongside our select West End professionals in the production. There are roles for both adults and younger performers.” - TradeArabia News Service