TAKE a journey down the yellow brick road with a scarecrow, a lion, a tinman, wizard and, of course, Dorothy, in this year's production from Malton School.

The Wiz is a musical based on the most watched film ever – The Wizard of Oz.

PiCTURE GALLERY 14 DRESS REHEARSAL PHOTOS 

http://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/pics/galleries/malton_school_thewiz/

Written by Charlie Smalls, it is a retelling of the classic story by L Frank Baum, and was also made into a film in 1978 with Michael Jackson playing the scarecrow and Diana Ross as Dorothy.

The main cast are: Heather Staples as Dorothy, Pip Jackson as the scarecrow, Kirsty Farrow as the lion, Joe Wing as the tinman, Tom Elliot as the Wiz, Lucia Pollan-Turner and Mollie Taylor sharing the role of Addaperle, Rosie Mitchell as Evillene, Becky Heslop as Glinda, and Will Huddie and Ellie Booth as Uncle Henry and Aunt Em.

Hayley Spiers, drama teacher and director, said: "For those that came to watch it, last year’s show – Little Shop of Horrors - was something spectacular, three nights of sell-out performances and rave reviews. A lot to live up to, maybe, but undaunted the drama and music departments have taken the bull by the horns.

"This year, like last year, it’s a big cast of funny and memorable characters – played by students across year groups - and a musical score packed with funky songs and motown tunes – all performed live by students and staff."

Hayley said it had been a very busy, productive and fun time since rehearsals started in November.

"Everyone has worked very hard," she said. The sets are ready, lines and songs have been learnt and now there’s just about enough time to polish up those ruby red slippers."

Heather Staples, in Year 12, and who plays Dorothy, said she had loved rehearsing.

“The challenge for me is learning the songs - they require so much emotion and are difficult technically," she said. "But when you hit the note - it is just amazing."

The show opens with a matinee for invited primary schools on Monday, March 14, followed by four evening performances on Tuesday, March 15 to Friday, March 18, at 7pm.

Ticket prices are: adults £7, concessions £5 and family ticket £20 (two adults and two children) and can be bought from Gill Harrison on West Wing reception, phone 01653 605350.