Wizard of Oz, young performers edition

Tauranga Musical theatre 17th Ave. L-R Sarah Coleman, Musical Director Adam Herbert - Director. Photo/George Novak

Adam Herbert often finds himself playing the role of the villain.

It's that deep bass that is clinches the deal during auditions.

"Lead characters are usually tenor, bass get chorus and villains, and I'm a solid bass."

But Adam is now a director, and a young one at age 20. He is overseeing Tauranga Musical Theatre (TMT) youth division's Wizard of Oz production which begins late January.

It's been a smooth transition from youth actor to director. The youth division is great to work with, Adam says, and follow direction really well.

"It's really awesome working with bunch of talented children. They are so keen to learn and take in everything about theatre and the society."

Adam has been in four TMT youth productions including playing villainus Jafar in Aladdin.

He was nasty Mickey in Electric Dreams and played a lead role in Murder by Melody a few years ago.

Adam describes Wizard of Oz as a whimsical classic tale.

"There's a few adult themes and messages in the Wizard of Oz - there's this witch threatening to do horrible things like burn the scarecrow but it's all masked by an air of magic. The kids just see the magic.

"It's a classic tale that will capture everyone who comes to see it. Just about everyone has seen the movie so one of the challenging things is giving mana to the original product while making sure it is our own original piece of art.

"You have to find a balance between letting it run away from you and producing something that everyone has seen before."

The musical director is Sarah Coleman, 19. She's also a TMT youth division graduate with various productions under her belt - like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mama Mia, Mary Poppins and she played Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Sarah is also involved with Detour Theatre.

"As long as I'm singing and dancing, that's where I want to be," Sarah says.

Landing the job of musical director on the Wizard of Oz has been the perfect next step, she says.

"The rehearsals are my favourite parts as I am singing with these awesome kids all the time."

Her role is to teach the chorus songs, working closely with Adam and choreographer Zoe Hunter.

We're not in Kansas anymore, the cast of Westside Theatre's latest production.. Photo/George Novak

"It's so cool, it's definitely been a learning curve for me, very exciting for me to take a leadership role.

"I usually work with Adam and Zoe and we do all emotions within the songs as well. We teach them how to tell a story through the song."

Sarah also puts her hand up to work front of house for shows.

the fine print
What: The Wizard of Oz Young Performers' Edition
Where: Westside Theatre, 17th Avenue
When: January 19-27