The Wizard of Oz Arena Spectacular brings to life one of the most beloved fantasy tales of all time.
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More than 500 performers will perform at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on April 26 and 27, many of them Hunter Region children.
"Everyone knows and loves the 1939 film, but for this new arena production we wanted to take what audiences are familiar with and tip it on its head," director Tim O'Connor says.
"This is a whole new vision of Oz, brought to life on the massive arena stage with state-of-the-art technology and wizardry.
"This show is grungier and more moody than past iterations - a little less pantomime and a little more steampunk. It has a darker edge, but it's very fanciful - a real delight for the young, and the young at heart."
The stage for the show is the size of three basketball courts and the entire set has a nine-metre-high LED screen wrapped around it where wall-to-wall animations will bring the land of Oz to life in vivid colour.
"This show is a real feast for the eyes," says producer Megan Whiting.
"It has the feel of a rock concert with the charm of a fairy tale, the magic and spectacle of an Olympics opening ceremony and all the heart of the original story."
Choreographed by Callum Mansfield (Grease - the Arena Experience, Hairspray The Big Fat Arena Spectacular), the show incorporates imaginative staging techniques to create breathtaking sequences involving hundreds of performers.
The show stars newcomer Carly Bettinson as Dorothy, with Chris Geoghegan as the Scarecrow, Michael Nunn as Tinman and Josh Whitten as Lion. Aurelie Roque plays Glinda the Good Witch, and Bil Heit strikes fear in the hearts of children all over Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Weekender has two family passes to give away to The Wizard of Oz Arena Spectacular at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday, April 26, at 7pm (opening night).
To enter, send the words "Wizard of Oz" to weekenderfreebies@theherald.com.au or text ''Wizard of Oz'' to 0427 369 610, including your name, address and phone number. Entries close at 9am on Wednesday (17/4/2019). The winners can collect their tickets from the venue's box office.
