Singer Michael Crawford is to team up with Andrew Lloyd Webber once again after signing up for the composer's latest production, The Wizard Of Oz.

The pair first worked together in 1986, when Crawford originated the title role in Lord Lloyd-Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.

The star, who has been lined up to play the wizard, said he "didn't hesitate at all" when approached about the role.

He will star alongside Danielle Hope, who won the BBC show Over The Rainbow.

The production marks a new collaboration between Lord Lloyd-Webber and lyricist Tim Rice.

It is the first time they have collaborated on a stage production since Cricket - a short musical staged for Queen Elizabeth II's 60th birthday in 1986.

Their previous productions included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

"I didn't hesitate at all when Andrew asked me to take on the role of the Wizard," said Crawford.

"Working with him and Tim on a brand new production of this timeless classic is so thrilling and I am already looking forward to starting rehearsals later in the year."

Lord Lloyd-Webber insisted the stage show would be very different to the classic 1939 movie, which starred Judy Garland as Dorothy.

"We will be going a lot further than simply presenting the movie on stage," he said,

"I am really looking forward to bringing The Wizard of Oz to life. I am delighted that Michael Crawford, a legend of musical theatre, will take on the role of the Wizard and can't wait to work with him once more".

Crawford, who has has extensive experience in the West End and on Broadway, has won several Olivier and Tony awards.

He is perhaps best known, however, as hapless and ineffectual Frank Spencer in the British comedy Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

Wicked called, it wants it's show idea back!

;D

Personally, Oz the TV show as a musical would be more awesome!

;D

By the way, the guy who played the Aryan wheel chair bound guy, is also the same actor who plays Juno's dad, was in a couple of Coen Brothers movies, and plays J. Jonah Jamison, is also the voice of the yellow M&M!

So now there's going to be Wizard Of Oz The Tv Show? ???

So now there's going to be Wizard Of Oz The Tv Show? ???


Actually, there was show called Oz, that took place in a prison which was on HBO, awhile back. Which I was referring to a few minutes ago.

Actually, there was show called Oz, that took place in a prison which was on HBO, awhile back. Which I was referring to a few minutes ago.


I think I saw that.

There used to be a game show called 'The Wizard of Odds'

There used to be a game show called 'The Wizard of Odds'


Remember this show?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke4IOMZNaH0

It was weird!

;D  :D

Remember this show?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke4IOMZNaH0

It was weird!

;D  :D


I don't know if I remember this.  ???

I don't know if I remember this.  ???


It was a Canadian show, from the 60's and 70's.

It was a Canadian show, from the 60's and 70's.


So I'm guessing wasn't shown on New York Television. ???

Wicked called, it wants it's show idea back!

;D

Personally, Oz the TV show as a musical would be more awesome!

;D

By the way, the guy who played the Aryan wheel chair bound guy, is also the same actor who plays Juno's dad, was in a couple of Coen Brothers movies, and plays J. Jonah Jamison, is also the voice of the yellow M&M!


Wicked is the untold story of the Witches of Oz.

This production is as of the same as the film The Wizard Of Oz, with some new songs.

Wicked is the untold story of the Witches of Oz.

This production is as of the same as the film The Wizard Of Oz, with some new songs.


like the good and bad witches? ???

like the good and bad witches? ???
The story is loosely based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, a parallel novel of the 1939 film of L. Frank Baum's classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches of the Land of Oz.

The story is loosely based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, a parallel novel of the 1939 film of L. Frank Baum's classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches of the Land of Oz.


What about Glenda The good witch? ???

What about Glenda The good witch? ???
Glinda the Good Witch of the North, yes she is there.

Glinda the Good Witch of the North, yes she is there.


and the munchkins?

and the munchkins?
Wicked seems to be set in Munchkinland

Wicked seems to be set in Munchkinland


so it's a revamped version of Wizard Of Oz? ???

so it's a revamped version of Wizard Of Oz? ???
Set on the original

Set on the original



nothing beats the original.

nothing beats the original.
Just follow the yellow brick road!

Just follow the yellow brick road!


We're Not In Kansas anymore,Phil.

Thanks...but no thanks!

http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/12/disgust.gif