The Wizard of Oz gets a pop makeover
Summer school programme ramps up the magic with a pop-inspired take on Dorothy's adventures
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' continuing education programme breaks new ground with its latest musical production - an updated version of The Wizard of Oz, mixed with hit songs by Lady Gaga and Psy.
The organisers are doing away with the usual practice of buying rights to scripts of famous musicals and instead are putting their own twist on a classic.
We want to attract a wider audience and I incorporated a lot of pop elements into it so that more people can relate to it
Since the academy's Extension and Continuing Education for Life (Excel) unit was set up in 2001, such musicals have been a summer highlight of the programme, which includes full-time certificate and diploma courses for performing arts enthusiasts.
The three-week intensive programme - which costs up to HK$4,150 - attracts both amateurs and music enthusiasts every year, says Excel general manager Alice van Kapel.
"Some are working people with no previous musical experience. Others are enthusiasts with lots of dancing and singing experience and get main performing roles in our summer musical after auditions," says van Kapel, who is in charge of the production.
This year, 185 participants were recruited for the musical, which will be staged at the academy's Drama Theatre next month.