Engadine Musical Society on the Yellow Brick Road

Engadine Musical Society will head down the yellow brick road to Sutherland Entertainment Centre from May 15 – 19 for their production of The Wizard of Oz.

Cast members Susie Hoggard, Chiz Watson and Lauren Beatson shared their thoughts on this much-loved classic with Stage Whispers.

The production is quite a family affair for the Hoggards (pictured left): Susie Hoggard is playing Glinda, son Tyler is playing Tinman and daughter Sarah is in the Adult Ensemble.

Is Susie enjoying the family experience?

Susie Hoggard:Theatre has become a Hoggard family affair. I am thoroughly enjoying being in a community show like this with my children. Theatre is such an age leveller; it's all about talent. I constantly find myself in awe of the young ones and what they bring to the table, my kids included. My children are my harshest critics and my most devoted fans. 
I am privileged to watch my children grow in musical theatre and am learning right alongside them. 

Stage Whispers: What is your earliest memory of The Wizard of Oz?

SH: When I was about 8 it was playing in the cinemas for the holidays. I was in awe of Judy Garland and wanted to sing like her one day. Glinda to me was fascinating; every little girl’s dream. I did however get completely freaked out by the Wicked Witch and the Winkies – they were very scary. 

SW: So you also wanted to grow up and be Glinda?

SH: Glinda epitomises everything good.  Deep down every little girl wants to wear a beautiful Cinderella dress, wave a magic wand and make everything bad in the world right again.

SW: What does Glinda really think about The Wicked Witch of The West?

SH: Glinda, deep down knows that the Wicked Witch is misunderstood. Deep down she really isn’t wicked – she may however be obsessed with shoes.

SW: Do you see any similarities to Wicked?

SH: I love the thought of the two shows being linked somehow. I love Winnie Holzman’s version of the prequel. It’s a perfect twist. After all I think the Scarecrow and the Wicked Witch would make rather a nice couple. 

SW: What's your favourite part of the show?

SH:I have two, I love when the three characters, Lion, Scarecrow and Tinman show their true colours when they are about to go to the Witch’s castle. Courage, wit and love prevail – deep down they always had those things and never realised it.  

My other favourite part is when Dorothy is saying goodbye to her three friends and to Oz. My favourite line “Now I know I have a heart, cause it’s breaking” - Tinman gets me every time. The sentiment is really lovely and I have a tear in my eye.

Crossing to the dark side, Chiz Watson plays the Wicked Witch of the West.

SW: Your publicity picture looks a little more like Elphaba (Wicked) than the traditional image of the Wicked Witch of the West. What are your thoughts on this? Do you take any inspiration from Wicked?

Chiz Watson: The look for the photo shoot was created by the amazingly talented makeup artist (and performer) Rozlyne Vidal. Our director Michael Astill wanted the Wicked Witch to be less traditionally 'ugly' and more in line with the idea of beautiful wickedness, which in itself is Elphaba-esque. I like the idea of the Wicked Witch being able to be wicked whilst retaining femininity; I think this allows the Wicked Witch to display some human qualities. When Wicked came out, we all fell in love with Elphaba and the fact that she was wicked, but for a reason. Subsequent renditions of The Wizard of Oz can't help but be inspired by this more appealing, less caricatured representation of evil.

SW: Playing an evil character in a show that is for kids must be challenging.

CW: I remember playing 'The Grand High Witch' in Roald Dahl's The Witches when I was younger and having children crying after the show when they saw me, even though I was out of makeup. That happened in Seussical though too when I played the Sour Kangaroo, so maybe it's just me?!

There are a few light-hearted lines for the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, however we have tried to stay true to the original as much as possible with the delivery of her dialogue. She's a pretty mean lady as Miss Gultch and she doesn't get any nicer when she goes green!

SW: One of the biggest hurdles in the stage production is that you have only a few minutes from being Miss Gultch to the Wicked Witch, and it that time you have to go from person to green witch. Have you got the transformation down pat?

CW: We are currently in the process of organising how 'going green' will be executed. We are still several weeks out from the show at this stage and are working on costuming and starting to think about the transformation. The initial makeup for the photo shoot took the better part of an hour so this won't be viable in such a short amount of time. I suggested that I just dunk my head in a bucket of green house paint but for some strange reason no one liked my suggestion...

SW: When you first saw yourself all green what was your reaction?

CW: I loved being green. In fact I think I look better green than I do normally.....

SW: What is your earliest memory of The Wizard of Oz

CW: I loved The Wizard of Oz, as did most kids. I remember being terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West. One of the scariest parts for me was when Dorothy was being swept away by the tornado and Miss Gultch was seen out of the window of the house cycling and then suddenly turned into the Wicked Witch on her broomstick. I think the theme music that goes with her made it ten times worse than it actually was!

Lauren Beatson is set to fill those famous red slippers as Dorothy.

SW: What’s your earliest memory of The Wizard of Oz?

Lauren Beatson: My earliest memory of The Wizard of Oz was the song Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It’s a song that stays with you. I’m so excited to be performing it for so many people.

SW: What are your favourite parts of the show?

LB: My two favourite parts of the show is the Jitterbug dance – there’s so much energy and it’s a great scene for Dorothy. I love the last scene of the show when Dorothy is piecing together her “dream” and her family seem so confused.

SW: You’re working with a real dog, Miss Suzie. Is that challenging?

LB: I love it. Working with animals is a great experience, so thankfully I’ve had the opportunity to work with her. It also creates a different feel for the show because with animals they don’t always do things exactly the same each night this makes every show different.

SW: Why do you think people should come and see The Wizard of Oz?

I think that it is a great experience for everyone to see a live show at some point in their life time and The Wizard of Oz is a fantastic show to see because not only do you get to see a fantastic show but you witness the magic and the true essence of the show and you get the chance of gathering the shows true message that your dreams start with your home and the people you love.

Bookings

1300616063 or email bookings@engadinemusicalsociety.com.au.

For more information visit www.engadinemusicalsociety.com.au

Production Team

Director: Michael Astill, Musical Director: Valerie Hull, Choreographer: Sam Larielle.

Pictured cast:

Dorothy: Lauren Beatson

Glinda: Susie Hoggard

Scarecrow: Temujin Tera

Tinman: Tyler Hoggard

Lion: Chae Rogan

Wicked Witch: Chiz Watson

Toto: Miss Suzie

Performances

May 15 – 19, 2013.

Wed 15 May @ 8pm

Thurs 16 May @ 8pm

Fri 17 May @ 8pm*

Sat 18 May @ 2pm & 8pm*

Sun 19 May @ 2pm

Ticket Prices:

$32 - $38 - Adults

$27 - $33 - Children, Students, Concessions

$27 - $33 - Groups (15+)

A booking fee will also apply to each booking.

Performances are at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre, Eton St, Sutherland

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