Prospero Arts’ THE WIZARD OF OZ – IN CONCERT at QPAC || Angelique Cassimatis

The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible theatre performer Angelique Cassimatis. Angelique is currently starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in the Prospero Arts’ THE WIZARD OF OZ – IN CONCERT at QPAC. The show is playing at Concert Hall, QPAC from 30 June – 2 July.

There’s no place like home! Prospero Arts are bringing a sensational concert version of The Wizard of Oz home to Brisbane this June, for an exclusive season at QPAC’s Concert Hall.

The Wizard of Oz – In Concert is directed by one of Australia’s most accomplished creative talents Amy Campbell and includes a richly memorable score with Musical Direction by Andrew Worboys performed on-stage by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.

This brilliantly reimagined production features some of Australia’s favourite musical theatre stars, and the lead cast features Elandrah Eramiha (Hamilton) as Dorothy, Euan Fistrovic Doidge (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Scarecrow, Mark Hill (Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert, Muriel’s Wedding the Musical) as Tin Man, Monique Sallé (MAMMA MIA! The Musical) as the Cowardly Lion, Angelique Cassimatis (Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert, A Chorus Line) as the Wicked Witch, Loren Hunter (SIX The Musical) as Glinda, Michael Tuahine (Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert) as the Wizard and Tim McCallum (The Voice Australia) as Uncle Henry.

Don’t miss this timeless story of love, friendship and the quest for happiness in following your dreams, brilliantly reimagined by the team who brought us the exhilarating and fun-filled Singin’ in the Rain – In Concert last November. Five shows only!

Cast also features: Max Bimbi, Antonia Marr, Maddison Price, Ethan Ritchie, Hannah Stanton and Suzanne Steele.

We sat down with the incredible Angelique Cassimatis and talked about her first memories of The Wizard of Oz, embodying the Wicked Witch of the West, her career highlights and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Angelique, what was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?

Thank you so much for having me. One of my earliest memories of going to the theatre was seeing Buddy Holly. At the end of the show, Mum saw how much I loved it and mentioned that everyone up on stage did this as an actual job.

I couldn’t believe people got to perform for a living. I think from that moment exiting the Lyric Theatre at QPAC, I decided I was going to do the same.

What is one of your favourite first memories of The Wizard of Oz?

Growing up, I would watch movies on school holidays. I remember being obsessed with 42nd Street, maybe because it was in black and white? All the movies I would watch on TV were in colour.

Then Mum showed me Wizard of Oz. I was intrigued with how it started in black and white (like 42nd Street) and then changed to technicolour halfway through. This opened my eyes to the possibility of creativity and storytelling.

What enticed you to want to audition for The Wizard of Oz in Concert at QPAC?

I had so much fun working with Prospero Arts on Singing In The Rain: In Concert last year. I jumped at the chance to work with this company and fellow performers again!

It’s so nice to visit QPAC and see Brisbane audiences enjoying live theatre.

In what ways do you connect with your character, The Wicked Witch of the West and what is your favourite part of this production?

I have never played anyone who has been this wicked. Of course, every villain has a heart and a reason for being so mean.

I’m excited by the challenge of working out what makes The Wicked Witch so Wicked!

I think this production is going to be special because it’s being done with fresh new direction by the incredible Amy Campbell.

How does the concert version of The Wizard of Oz differ from the film or stage version of the iconic MGM classic?

I would say it’s a lot closer to the original film version. Obviously, with some differences. But closer to the film than the musical for sure.

Congratulations on all your success in your career thus far, what enticed you to want to perform in your critically acclaimed one-woman show, Guilty Pleasures?

Thank you. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to perform in so many incredible productions.

Guilty Pleasures was created for me by my very good friend Josh Robson. It started as a very small cabaret that very quickly morphed into a one woman show with original music and songs.

Josh and I wanted to challenge ourselves, myself in the acting and singing department, and Josh with his writing and directing skills. What we created is something I’m very proud of.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?

I love this question!!!! Elvis, Bob Fosse, and Judy Garland.

What did you enjoy about being part of new musicals made in Australia, like King Kong and Strictly Ballroom?

King Kong I was involved with a few workshops leading up to rehearsals.

It was a really awesome feeling knowing that some of the choreography I helped create ended up in the final version.

Strictly Ballroom I joined at the end of the tour. I really enjoyed working on an Australian story built by so many incredible Australian performers.

I love that I get to be a small part of Baz Luhrmann huge legacy in the entertainment industry. What a fierce leader he is!

What do you love about working with the Prospero Arts team and being part of their productions?

You don’t have time to think you just act on your initial impulse! Hayley and her team are creating an amazing new way of presenting beautifully orchestrated shows to Queensland audiences.

How was it when you starred as the leading role of Kathy Selden in Prospero Arts production of Singin’ in the Rain: In Concert?

It was a lot to get into my brain at first, but I got to share the stage with the incredible Mark Hill and Bobby Fox. We all crammed and rehearsed as much as we could and had a blast doing it. It’s a perfect show for people who love to sing, dance, and act at the same time. And we all did!

It was extra special because it was the first production Prospero Arts presented, and it went so well for Hayley, Cameron, and the team!

Why should audiences come along and see The Wizard of Oz In Concert at QPAC?

Firstly, Amy Campbell’s incredible direction and choreography. She is a force in the Aussie industry, and Brisbane is lucky to have her for this moment.

Secondly, my super Mum, Cornelia Cassimatis, is making all of the costumes. She is a very talented costume designer, and this will be her QPAC debut. The audience will be very excited to see all the amazing costumes that she has created for each of the scenes. Thirdly, it’s the Wizard of Oz!