See Rosanna's wicked sense of humour in Wizard of Oz
SEVEN Sunshine Coast news presenter Rosanna Natoli has a wicked take on the easter School holidays this year.
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SEVEN Sunshine Coast news presenter Rosanna Natoli has a wicked take on the easter School holidays this year.
She will play the Wicked Witch when she performs in Gateway Theatre Productions' upcoming season of The Wizard of Oz, opening at The Events Centre, Caloundra, on April 8.
Gateway Theatre Productions is set to bring a bright and wonderful retelling of the 1939 classic film, filled with theatrical special effects, colourful sets and costumes, a 20-piece orchestra and a cast of 80.
This charming story is based on the popular L. Frank Baum fantasy tale, in which Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado's path, taking them on a journey to the "Merry Old Land of Oz”.
Dorothy meets some memorable friends and foe along the way, who help her return home, and who find the brain, heart and courage they've been searching for.
Gateway executive producer Tracey Ferguson said The Wizard of Oz was a story recognised by everyone, and a family favourite for many.
"It's very different to our debut production of Jesus Christ Superstar and we hope to see Sunshine Coast families in the audience, particularly as the season sits within the school holiday period,” she said.
Ms Ferguson said she was delighted to have Natoli on board.
"Rosanna is such fun to work with and is really immersing herself in her role as the Wicked Witch,” she said.
Natoli said she couldn't wait for the show to begin.
"I haven't performed on stage for such a long time and I'm looking forward to the interaction with the audience, to working with the rest of the brilliant cast and crew, and to breathing new life into this wicked character,” she said.
"Being the witch gives me the chance to be venomous and create mayhem - all without really hurting anyone.
"I have always felt a connection to the glamorous, wicked characters like Maleficent and the Step Mother, mainly because they have the best clothes and the best lines.
"Now I get to be really wicked and wear great clothes.
"I am a bit worried I'll frighten some of my friends' young children, but hopefully they will forgive me.”
The cast includes 50 Munchkins, who will be played by children from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
"The kids are loving the experience and are so committed to the rehearsal process,” Ms Ferguson said.
"They really are going to create quite a spectacle, and will most certainly surprise our audiences with their performance.”
The adult cast of this production features some of the brightest musical theatre talent from south-east Queensland, including Kayleigh Marven as Dorothy, Liam Wigney as Scarecrow, Paul Wheeler as the Cowardly Lion, Mike Lapot as Tinman, Dale Gibson as The Wizard and an ensemble of featured artists - all accompanied by GTP's orchestra.
The Wizard of Oz will have four shows from April 8-11.
Tickets start at $49.90 and are available from www.theeventscentre.com.au
To find out more, visit www.gtp1.com.au or call 0458 020 370.
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