Doha Players to stage Oz at British Montessori in Doha-Qatar

Katie Potter as Dorothy, with Bruce Cross as the Scarecrow and Don Rikley as the Tin Man. Right: Members of the chorus in Munchkinland

Frank Baum’s family favorite story, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is set to be brought to the stage by the Doha Players as they prepare to perform Oz over the next two weeks at the Doha British Montessori School.

The show opens on Wednesday evening, and runs over the next two weekends, with performances on Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm, as well as Fridays at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Saturdays at 2.30pm.
The production tells the story of Dorothy, played by Katie Potter, who finds herself in the magical land of Oz after a tornado carries her and her and dog Toto away in their Kansas farmhouse. The house lands on and kills the Wicked Witch of the East, and aided by the good witch, Glinda played by Samantha McGill, Dorothy finds herself facing the Wicked Witch of the West in Munchkin-land.

Wearing the magical ruby red slippers, Dorothy begin her travel on the Yellow Brick Road, where she encounters the Tin Man, a Scarecrow and a Cowardly Lion, played by Don Rikley, Bruce Cross and Mark Slade respectively, who are in search of a heart, a brain and courage.
And so Dorothy’s adventures continue with her three companions in tow. Dorothy has to capture the witch’s broomstick, but must overcome various challenges on her journey including an army of flying monkeys among many other perils.

The story was made famous by the much loved film of 1939 which featured Judy Garland in her breakthrough performance in the role of Dorothy, and singing the timeless classic ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ And local audiences will get the opportunity to join in the fun over the next two weeks during the run of 10 performances.

The show is being directed by Angela Walton, who has brought many famous musical productions to the stage in Doha in the past, including Grease, Miss Saigon, The Sound of Music, and many others.

“The one thing I have found wonderful about the musicals, is that they all take place in different parts of the world,” she said, adding “with me on this great adventure to Kansas and the Emerald City with The Wizard of Oz are 120 incredible talented and delightful cast and backstage crew.  From the youngest of five years old and up, thank you for all your dedication and discipline during rehearsals.”

She praised the work of the show’s vocal coach, Gail Nicholson, choreographers Paula Doole and Kristina Cheffins, musical director, Brita Fray, set designers James Honey and Phil Mitchell, Chris Coull, Elaine Potter and everyone else involved in staging the production.
She said she had been delighted to work with the “wonderful, talented cast,” and expressed her excitement at the upcoming run of performances.

“Any production cannot be accomplished without the audience,” she noted, adding “we are all amateurs, holding normal jobs during the day, or attending school, giving up hours every week to attend rehearsals - I am sure that you will all agree with me, that what you will see tonight makes us proud of the talent we have in Doha.”

Tickets can be purchased from The ONE, and are priced at QR100 for the first three rows and QR75 for general seating.


Source from gultimes