Follow the Yellow Brick Road and see The Wiz

Calder Valley Youth Theatre is in the final stages of preparation for its next major production '˜The Wiz' which will be performed at Halifax Playhouse from the November 2 to 5.

‘The Wiz’ is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the context of modern African-American culture.

The original score is set to the urban music culture of the 70s and includes R&B, soul, funk and disco.

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Classic soul numbers like Ease On Down The Road and A Brand New Day all come from The Wiz.

This thoroughly modern version of The Wizard of Oz has rarely been seen since its debut in the 1970s which featured Michael Jackson as scarecrow, Diana Ross as Dorothy and Richard Pryor as The Wiz (Herman Smith).

It was revamped last year with a modern cast including Mary J Blige, Ne-Yo, Common and Queen Latifah and features some awe-inspiring dance routines and an amazing musical score.

The cast of children aged from eight to 18 have been rehearsing for six months.

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Recent CVYT shows like Les Miserables, Cats, Starlight Express, Grease and Flashdance, have revealed a huge pool.

David Mitchell, CVYT Chairman and Musical Director said.

“It is often difficult to remember that you are watching a youth theatre production at CVYT.

“The talent really does ooze form every cast member.

“It is also fantastic to watch them all grow in confidence as rehearsals progress and to see how the older members of the cast support the younger ones with tips and coaching to help them develop their characters.”

lThe Wiz will be performed from November 2 to 5 nightly at 7.15pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm at The Halifax Playhouse.Tickets are now on sale through the website www.cvyt.co.uk or from the Halifax Playhouse box office 01422 365998.