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Culture Stage

Lisa Horner

When the curtain goes up on Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s stage adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz, all eyes and ears will be on Danielle Wade, who won the role of Dorothy in a nation-wide TV talent search. But expect Lisa Horner to steal plenty of scenes in the double role of the dog-snatching Miss Gulch and the green-hued Wicked Witch of the West. Familiar to local audiences for her work in Assassins and My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, Horner is a musical theatre veteran whose acting chops and singing are bound to take audiences’ eyes off Dorothy… and her little dog, too. See listings.


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What’s the key to a good Wicked Witch of the West cackle?

Lots of water and rest. And a touch of evil.

I’m assuming there’s green makeup. For your two-show days, will you keep it on between shows?

I can’t! I have to go back into Miss Gulch at the top of the second show.

So… does Miss Gulch have a thing for Uncle Henry?

Well, she wouldn’t admit to it, but Larry Mannell is pretty easy on the eyes…

Does Miss Gulch/WWotW sing in this version? If so, how would you describe her song(s)?

They both do, Miss Gulch sings to her trademark music (the music you think of whenever you ride a bicycle). And the Wicked Witch has a terrific song that starts the second act. It’s full of yearning and control issues.

There was a nation-wide reality TV show search for the lead. How’s winner Danielle Wade doing so far?

She’s fabulous, and she’s going to be someone we see for a long time.

What advice would you give her?

Be nice to your parents. And try to stay out of debt.

Favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber song?

The one I get to sing is right up there.

Any Lloyd Webber rehearsal anecdotes?

What happens in the rehearsal hall stays in the rehearsal hall. But we had some good laughs.

You’ve got a ton of great musical theatre credits under your belt. Favourite role?

I feel like I’m picking my favourite child, but some highlights include Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town, Sarah Jane Moore in Assassins, Miss Adelaide in Guys And Dolls. And of course this crazy broad.

Role you’d love to play?

I can think of a few, but I might be getting long in the tooth for some of them.

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