Danielle Hope News

Set to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ are Michael Crawford as The Wizard and Danielle Hope, the winner of the BBC's smash hit Over The Rainbow, when the show opens at the London Palladium next year. Variety has the first scoop from Jeremy Sams, who is directing and who has re-written the book. Sams tells the publication that:...

BroadwayWorld.com is very excited to share with you the third entry in the new THE WIZARD OF OZ Blog that we'll be running on the site, following the show's path down the yellow brick road -- to the stage! In the final part of our video interview with Wizard of Oz Casting Director David Grindrod, he discusses the responsibilities of casting large-scale West End shows - and gives us a mysterious hint about those munchkins...

In the second part of our video interview with West End Casting Director David Grindrod he gives us a further insight into his work on The Wizard of Oz and Over The Rainbow, the BBC TV search to find a Dorothy for the show - including his thoughts on some of the girls. Watch out for more from David, as he gives us some insights into other aspects of casting a West End show such as The Wizard of Oz.

BroadwayWorld.com is very excited to share with you the first entry in the new THE WIZARD OF OZ Blog that we'll be running on the site, following the show's path down the yellow brick road -- to the stage!

Andrew Lloyd Webber hosts a star-studded birthday party for the world-famous London Palladium, which celebrates its 100th anniversary on 26th December 2010.

Interviewed this week on Sir Terry Wogan's Weekend Wogan was composer Andrew Lloyd Webber who gave a special interview live from the London Palladium (soon to be home to THE WIZARD OF OZ) in which he talked about a wide range of subjects, including the upcoming show and his recent knack for casting in television hunts. Here's what was said:

Juggling both film and stage careers, Michael Crawford had established himself as one of theatre's finest leading men long before he opened as 'the Phantom' in Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, beginning one of the most widely acclaimed and memorable performances in theatre history. Few stars are as widely connected to a single role as Crawford is to 'the Phantom.' His Los Angeles and Broadway performances earned an astonishing catalogue of critical recognition including the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Los Angeles Dramalogue Award and Drama Critics Award. Since leaving PHANTOM after nearly four years in the role in London, New York and Los Angeles; Crawford has become a multi-platinum recording artist and one of the world's most sought after concert and stage performers, playing to sold-out venues around the globe. In addition to his recent concert work, stage credits in London and on Broadway include Billy, Flowers for Algernon, Black Comedy, Dance of the Vampires, The Woman in White, and Barnum. It was announced late last night that he will make his eagerly awaited return to the stage alongside Danielle Hope, winner of the BBC's smash hit Over The Rainbow, when the show opens at the LONDON PALLADIUM next year. We checked in with the star to get the first scoop!

Michael Crawford is to star as The Wizard in ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER's new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

It's just been announced in the UK Daily Telegraph that Michael Crawford will return to the West End Stage starring as The Wizard in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

Andrewlloydwebber.com is reporting that Webber will be a guest on the Michael Ball Show September 10th.

Andrewlloydwebber.com is reporting that Webber will be a guest on the Michael Ball Show September 10th.

In a recent Mail Online article, author Cole Moreton writes about a visit with Andrew Lloyd Webber during which he discussed his long career as well as why he's teaming up with Tim Rice again after 34 years.

After the winner of the Andrew Lloyd Webber's reality show, 'Over the Rainbow' is announced on Saturday, May 22, the new Dorothy will record and release a cover of the Judy Garland song of the same title. All proceeds will benefit Prostate UK and The BBC Performing Arts Fund. The cover will be available to download Sunday, May 23 and for purchase on Monday, May 31.

Whatsonstage.com is reporting that famed lyricist Tim Rice may be revisiting an old partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber for the upcoming West End production of The Wizard of Oz. The production found its Dorothy last week via the BBC talent show Over The Rainbow, casting Danielle Hope in the role that Judy Garland has made famous.

Danielle Hope is Dorothy!

Danielle Hope won Over The Rainbow on Saturday night (reported here on BroadwayWorld.com moments after it happened) and she will play Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's new production of The Wizard Of Oz.

Sophie and Danielle will battle it out to become Dorothy later tonight!