The Wizard of Oz
Classic film musical
Classic tale of Dorothy's journey through the magical land of Oz.
About This Theme
The Wizard of Oz has been delighting audiences since 1939, and it remains a perfect recital choice. The songs are timeless, the characters are iconic, and the journey from Kansas to Oz gives your show a clear narrative structure. Over the Rainbow is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and even a simple staging of Dorothy singing while dancers create the rainbow behind her can bring tears to parents' eyes.
The yellow brick road gives you a clear staging concept. Your dancers can literally follow the path through each adventure. The repetition of "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" creates natural ensemble moments. Each of Dorothy's friends has a distinct movement quality - floppy for Scarecrow, stiff for Tin Man, cowardly for Lion. This makes choreography memorable and helps younger dancers understand character work.
Age Groups & Casting
Key Roles & Characters
Song Suggestions
Costume Ideas
Dorothy's gingham dress and ruby slippers are iconic - easily purchased or made. Add braids with ribbons and a basket for Toto (can be a prop or a small stuffed dog).
Scarecrow needs patchwork with straw poking out. Tin Man can be silver unitard with cardboard or foam funnel hat. Cowardly Lion is tan/gold with mane and tail.
Munchkins are colourful and whimsical. Poppies can wear red tutus with green stems. Flying monkeys need wings and perhaps fez hats. Emerald City citizens wear all green with sparkle.
Staging & Set Ideas
The yellow brick road is essential - painted floor, fabric path, or projected pattern. Kansas scenes can be sepia-toned, then burst into colour for Oz (consider this in lighting and costume choices).
Key sets: Munchkinland (bright, cheerful), Haunted Forest (dark, spooky), Emerald City (green everything), Witch's castle (grey and purple). Tornado effect can be achieved with lighting and fabric manipulation.
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