THE DARK SIDE OF OZ

The perenniel success of L. Frank Baum's Oz legacy continues into the 21st century. With her alarming presence on 'American Idol', Katherine McPhee was called by Steven Spielberg to star as Dorothy in a remake of the timeless "The Wizard of Oz".

Heavenly news? The most greatest thing since sliced bread? I THINK NOT!!!

The continual appeal in Oz has been its adaption to the current form of fashion, not the desecration of the most beloved film of all time! But a new work, a 'gothomime', as dubbed by Ryan Letizia, will proceed with his musical "The Dark Side of Oz".

Announcement of this show was made at his home-page as well as the principle resource for all things Oz @ The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz website. 'In the footsteps of the 20th century's own Harry Potter phenomenon, one of the most enduring films of all time, and a multi-successful musical, Ryan [Letizia] adapts his peculiar vision to the world of Baum.'

This announcement appeared on Boxing Day 2005 and nothing was heard since. Until now...

Ryan has made contact, informing the followers of his work, that the musical will proceed with a newly found composer, Ashton Jaymz, who has just released his website at: AshtonJaymz.com

'The lyrics are finished,' says Ryan, 'and Act One has had its first draft. Now it's into the thicket and delivering on the second act which, incidentally, I'm very excited about. I love the Oz books, I love the composer's work and I'm really happy that this is going ahead... just as planned.' He adds, 'it's not like my other shows. Ironically, it's more like the first show I ever wrote which was about a Killer House (laughter). It's fun, musical comedy, Jim Henson meets Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express. But it's also very gothic, Grimm... Jim Steinman.'

According to AshtonJaymz.com Ryan will also record on the concept album of the composer's musical of Frankenstein. 'Ooooh, it's a blast,' says Ryan, 'my favourite song from it is HORRIFIED. Danny Elfman would be proud. Heck, so would Mary'

And his opinion of the Oz remake? 'Hopefully it's a rumour. I've always denied there's evidence to disprove God's existence. But this could be it...'

Click here for original story on Radical Wizardry website

Click here for The Dark Side Of Oz page on 21st Century Musicals