General News
17 March, 2026
HAC bringing Wizard of Oz to life
Rehearsals are well underway for the Horsham Arts Council's production of The Wizard of Oz.
Set to grace the stage for eight majestic performances from April 30, the show will feature some familiar faces as well as a number of newcomers.
The lead role of Dorothy will be played by Harriet Overman; helping her along the yellow brick road are Darcy Hogan (Scarecrow), Noah Wineberg (Tinman) and Noah Mibus (Cowardly Lion).
They will share the spotlight with Stacey Brennan (The Wicked Witch), Jessica Wilson (Glinda the good witch), and Simon Dandy (The Wizard of Oz).
“We started casting in December, and our first rehearsal was the Australia Day long weekend,” Dandy said.
“It’s a massive show, but we have a lot of people doing a lot of great things.
“There’s a huge team behind the scenes; everyone just has to do their role, like a footy team.”
Joining them on stage are 26 young cast members playing the roles of the iconic Munchkins.
"There are kids as young as five," Dandy said.
“I think it’s very brave for a five-year-old to get up on stage.
“There's a lot of stuff going on, but … they're doing an amazing job.”
To help the new cast get used to the bright lights, they are grouped with older members during rehearsals and on stage.
The cast and crew have been working diligently at HAC House on Hamilton Road; while the cast work on blocking their lines, the production crew help bring the show to life.
“It’s all happening,” Dandy said.
“We build all the sets here. Once you put in all the elements - the sets, costumes and props - it's a huge job.
“There’s a lot of moving parts.”
This year marks two decades on the stage for Dandy, who started with HAC in 2006.
He said after countless productions, there was an obvious reason he keeps coming back.
“The creativity of every show is different,” he said.
“You've got different people. It's great when new people walk in, and then you go, ‘How good's that?’
“I've been around sports. I love footy, but at footy clubs, you've definitely got people getting paid.
“Here, 100% of the people doing it are volunteers. If you're here, you're doing it because you love it. I reckon when everyone's on that same playing field, it creates a great vibe.”
With exceptional local talent, vibrant staging and the heart that HAC productions are known for, this family-friendly musical promises joy, nostalgia and a touch of magic for audiences of all ages.
Purchase tickets via horshamtownhall.com.au/the-wizard-of-oz.