The Wiz

Based on L Frank Baum’s children’s tale, The Wiz offers a different look at how Dorothy found her three friends and eventually ends up meeting The Wiz in a bid to get back home. The film starred the late Michael Jackson and Diana Ross amongst others but has been translated to an upbeat stage show which has become a modern classic particularly within youth theatre.

Review by the Bolton News

THEY’RE off to see the Wizard... but this show has a twist.

For members of CATS Youth Theatre, currently in rehearsals for their next production, will be appearing in a radically updated version of the classic tale, The Wizard of Oz.

The group, who are the current holders of the BATS/The Bolton News theatre award for best youth show, and the Greater Manchester Drama Federation award for best youth show will be performing at the Theatre Church, in Seymour Road, Astley Bridge, from Wednesday, November 17, to Saturday, November 20.

Based on L Frank Baum’s children’s tale, The Wiz offers a different look at how Dorothy found her three friends and eventually ends up meeting The Wiz in a bid to get back home.

Director/choreographer, Louise Cohen says: "This is a show that the young people of CATS Seniors have been wanting to do for a while. we decided to give it a go and I am pleased to say it is going well.

"The musical score is once again in the capable hand of Jennie Allcock. Jennie works extremely hard with the young people and we couldn't do it without her. She creates great harmonies and always produces an excellent end result."

Appearing as Toto will be Buffy the Bichon Frise, who made it through doggy bootcamp to win a place in the play.

Her owners, Eileen and Len Powell are both involved in amateur theatre, and said that a desire to perform obviously runs in the family.

Kat Dibbits

A selection of pictures from the show appears below.