The Yellow Brick Road is heading straight to Howick thanks to the efforts of a cast of young thespians from the Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT).
The theatre company, which is based at the Star of the Sea building on Granger Road, is bringing to life Dorothy, Toto the dog and the Wicked Witch of the West in their latest offering, The Wizard of Oz.
Bronte Croad takes centre stage as Dorothy at Uxbridge, Howick’s creative centre, while Christopher Ryan dons a black wig and dress as the witch.
“It’s a pretty traditional telling of The Wizard of Oz,” says Gair McRae, HCYT’s founding principal. “We are doing it because it’s a well-known, old story and everyone loves it.”
Tapping into his wicked side has been fun for 14-year-old Christopher, who is a student at Howick College.
“Getting to work with that kind of wickedness has been really enjoyable,” he laughs.
“It’s been a lot of fun getting my character to the evil witch it now is. It has been a challenge but in a good way. I’m enjoying being bad and the voice just makes the character.”
The teenager also takes on the character of Mr Gulch, a crabby old man who threatens to take Toto away from Dorothy.
The most challenging part of Bronte’s role has been learning the songs and having to change her emotions to suit Dorothy’s mood. “Sometimes I’ve got to be sad, because I’m sad when I find out that I can’t go back to Kansas,” she explains.
Members of the close-knit cast, which is made up of about 35 children and young people, have become good friends during rehearsals.
“We all get along,” Christopher says. “It’s been enjoyable.”
“I didn’t know many people when I first came into the cast, but I do now,” adds Bronte.
Audiences can expect a fun-filled play that’s packed with some interesting characters, says Christopher.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” he enthuses.
“Everyone should come and watch it because, if they don’t, they will be missing out.”
