Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the cinematic release of The Wizard of Oz, Centrestage Cymru present The Wiz next week.

The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Very many know the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but in this musical version it's a fantasy for today - mysterious, opulent and fanciful - a dream conjured up by a child, with Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz set to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul.

The Wiz is a version of the perennial Wizard of Oz. The characters and story line are largely faithful to the 1939 movie version of L. Frank Baum's 1900 story.

Combining upbeat songs with colourful and vibrant costumes, The Wiz is set to be fun for all the family.

Hannah Roper plays Dorothy…

Who are you playing in The Wiz?

Dorothy

What do you like about your character?

That even though she has been thrown into this magical, and surreal world, she still knows what she wants and what she has to do to get it, and even though she's only a young teenager, she does make some good decisions, but can also be a bit ditzy and times

How did you join CentreStage Cymru?

I am a member of wawwa which Vicci, the musical director for centre stage, is also the musical director for, and she asked me to come along

How did you get into Musical Theatre?

I have always enjoyed singing and performing but started getting into musicals more when I started comprehensive school

What was your first theatrical role?

My first role was in the end of year production in year 8, it was Wizard of Oz the pantomime, and I played Toto.

Who’s your musical theatre Hero?

John Owen Jones, he got his first west end role very young, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every performance I have seen him in

What’s your favourite musical?

Definitely wicked

Which musical theatre role would you most like to play?

Elphaba

What can audiences expect from The Wiz?

It's a really feel good, upbeat version of the story that everyone knows and loves. It has comic moments and some heartfelt moments, all performed by an amazing cast, and is a show that the whole family can enjoy.

Centrestage Cymru’s production of The Wiz runs from April 30 to May 3 at The Dolman theatre. For tickets call 01633 881382 or 01633 760454. Alternately you can visit centrestagecymru.com or dolmantheatre.co.uk

For the latest news on Centrestage Cymru and more cast profiles visit Centrestagecymru.com