Thursday April 5, 2012
The Wizard of Oz is coming to KLPac
By LIM JIAN YANG
Photos by AHMAD IZZRAFIQ ALIAS
SOMEWHERE over the rainbow, way up high,” the angelic voice of the main character of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, mesmerised the floor while performing a snippet with other cast members at a launch in Berjaya Times Square on Wednesday.
For the first time in Malaysia, The Wizard of Oz — The Musical will be staged to enthral Malaysians with its timeless tale of friendship, and how there is no place like home.
What is more, the performance is done by an all-Malaysian cast featuring some of the experienced stage and musical theatre talents in the country, with a selection of fresh talent.
The musical, directed by Pan Production co-founder Nell Ng (pic), promises to take audience on a roller-coaster ride through the wonderful land of Oz.
Berjaya Corporation Berhad and Kenny Roggers Roasters will jointly present this musical in support of the growth and development of local performing artists.
Berjaya Corporation Bhd corporate communications senior general manager Judy Tan said being part of the event sponsor was to nurture the performing arts in Malaysia.
“It is not just about sponsoring the event but also keeping the sustainability of performing arts in Malaysia. It is a part of nurturing and educating people about performing arts and musicals,” she said.
“It is not just about the show, but also the details and cast who poured their effort into this event,” she added.
Berjaya had also sponsored numerous local and international productions such as, Always in Wonderland — The Musical, Cabaret — The Musical, P. Ramlee — The Musical, Puteri Gunung Ledang and The King and I.
Pan Productions Sdn Bhd executive producer Peter Ong, who is also a cast member in The Wizard of Oz, said they were inspired to produce the play as the movie had been very popular with people of all ages.
“I remember growing up watching the musical and it is amazing,” he said.
This musical is a dream come true for Stephanie Van Driesen, who stars as Dorothy in the musical. “I was so excited to pass the audition in January because it has always been my dream to play this role in The Wizard of Oz,” said the bubbly 27-year-old.
“I will definitely do my best in the musical. I hope that the spellbinding musical will come to life and transport the audiences through the journey of Dorothy in the musical.
The Wizard of Oz will be starting its run at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre from April 28 to May 6. Tickets can be purchased at the KLPAC box office at 03-4047 9000 at RM85, RM105, RM125.