[Misplaced]

Looks like this is on track for next spring:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8250256.stm

What a bizarre line about being a "cat man". D'you suppose he was trying to be clever re Cats?

[Weez]

Nah, I think he just means he likes cats. I'm sure he owns several; theatre fans who have been following the Love Never Dies project with apprehension and dread will surely join me in bowing our heads for a moment's silence in honour of Otto, the kitten who got inside the Lord's electric piano, deleted parts of the score, and was later run over in a mysterious parking accident. (No, I'm not making any of that up. Poor Otto, he was a pretty kitty, and o how we hailed him as a hero! )

[Annasette]

It doesn't say when it is to air though. The difficulty, as I recall, was that if it was to go ahead, it had to be fairly soon or ALW would lose the rights, whereas the BBC didn't want it to be seen as promotion for Love Never Dies.

[amyja89]

Hmm...

I am generally a fan of these ALW shows. I didn't watch HDYSAPLM, liked ADWD, and absolutely loved IDA.

The thing that's getting me about this venture though is that I can't think of a more boring part than Dorothy to devote a months long talent contest to.

[amyja89]

I'd imagine they'd be looking for an adult actress that looks younger. I'm sure they wouldn't want to encounter all the legal issues concerning under-age performers.

[Misplaced]

Frankly I'm mostly looking forward to casting Toto (and wondering if all the Legally-Blonde-reject-rat-dogs are auditioning). No, I am serious. I cannot for the life of me imagine how one auditions a dog on a *reality show*. I am half-hoping ALW asks the puppy to sing something from Ernie Get Your Gun...

[amyja89]

wondering if all the Legally-Blonde-reject-rat-dogs are auditioning).

Teehee.

[Jon]

Me too! The Wizard of Oz is a bit of a boring musical altogether. It works much better on screen than on stage and there is only one decent number in the whole production. Apart from that I can think of a few young actresses who would make great Dorothy's- Jessie Buckley would be perfect for example.
Does anyone know what they are looking for age wise? do they want an older actress who looks younger or will they open it to under 16's?

I have to agree about The Wizard of Oz, it works much better as a film than a stage musical although I did like the RSC production, wasn't it staged at the South Bank just a year ago?

Apparently ALW is going to make changes and add a few new songs with the help of Glenn Slater. I wonder if Wicked will be affected or will it receive a boost.

I wonder what theatre they're aiming for, I'm thinking The Palladium or the Palace.