Unveiling the Talented Actors Who Have Played Dorothy in Iconic Productions
Discover who plays Dorothy in the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz. Follow her journey through Oz and find out who brings this iconic character to life.
Who plays Dorothy? Well, that's a question that has been asked countless times since The Wizard of Oz first graced the silver screen in 1939. And while many actresses have taken on the iconic role over the years, there's one that stands out above the rest.
Firstly, let's talk about the original Dorothy, Judy Garland. She was just 16 years old when she stepped into those ruby slippers, and she brought a certain innocence and vulnerability to the character that captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. But did you know that Garland almost didn't get the part?
In fact, dozens of actresses were considered for the role before Garland was ultimately chosen. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time, including Deanna Durbin and Shirley Temple, were passed over in favor of the young starlet. And thank goodness they were, because who knows if anyone else could have brought such depth and emotion to songs like Over the Rainbow?
Of course, Garland isn't the only actress to have played Dorothy. In 1978, a young Diana Ross took on the role in The Wiz, a musical adaptation of the classic story set in an urban environment. While Ross received mixed reviews for her performance, there's no denying that her rendition of Home is one for the ages.
But perhaps the most unexpected actress to play Dorothy was Ashanti, who starred in a made-for-TV version of The Wizard of Oz in 2005. Known more for her R&B hits than her acting chops, Ashanti surprised critics with her heartfelt portrayal of the Kansas farm girl. And while the production as a whole received lukewarm reviews, there's no denying that Ashanti brought a certain charm and charisma to the role.
And let's not forget about the countless stage productions of The Wizard of Oz that have taken place over the years. From Broadway to community theater, actresses of all ages and backgrounds have stepped into Dorothy's shoes and brought their own unique spin to the character.
But perhaps what makes Dorothy such an enduring character is the fact that she represents something different to everyone. To some, she's a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. To others, she's a reminder of the importance of family and home. And to still others, she's simply a plucky young girl who's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
So who plays Dorothy? The answer is simple: anyone can. As long as you have a sense of wonder, a love for adventure, and a willingness to follow your dreams, you too can be the hero of your own story. And that, my friends, is the true magic of The Wizard of Oz.
The Search for the Perfect Dorothy
There are certain roles in musical theater that seem to carry a special weight. One of these is Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Generations of young girls have grown up dreaming of wearing those ruby slippers and singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. But who exactly gets to play this iconic role?
The Classic Dorothy
If you ask most people to picture Dorothy, they'll probably think of Judy Garland. Her portrayal in the 1939 film is still considered the definitive version. But of course, not every stage production can cast a young Judy Garland (who was only 16 when she made the movie). So who else has taken on the role?
Stage Actresses
Many actresses have played Dorothy on stage over the years. Some notable examples include Andrea McArdle, who originated the role in the 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz; Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production of The Wiz; and Kristin Chenoweth, who played Dorothy in a 2002 TV movie adaptation of the musical.
Pop Stars
Occasionally, producers have looked outside of the traditional pool of musical theater talent to cast Dorothy. In 2011, British pop star Danielle Hope won the role in a reality TV competition called Over the Rainbow. And in 2016, R&B singer Shanice Williams was chosen to play Dorothy in NBC's live TV production of The Wiz.
The Alternative Dorothy
Of course, not every production of The Wizard of Oz follows the classic formula. Some adaptations take a more experimental approach to the story and characters. And that includes Dorothy.
The Wicked Witch of the West as Dorothy
In a 2016 production of The Wizard of Oz at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, director Jeremy Desmon decided to cast the same actress as both Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West. It was an unusual choice, but Desmon felt it emphasized the idea that the two characters are two sides of the same person.
The Gender-Flipped Dorothy
Another unconventional approach to casting Dorothy is to play with gender. In a 2014 production of The Wizard of Oz at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, actress Alysha Umphress played a version of Dorothy who was a teenage boy. According to director David Cromer, this allowed the production to explore themes of identity and self-discovery in new ways.
The Future of Dorothy
So who will play Dorothy in the future? It's impossible to say for sure, but one thing is certain: she'll continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
The Broadway Revival
There's currently a Broadway revival of The Wizard of Oz in the works, set to open in 2022. As of this writing, no casting announcements have been made. But whoever ends up landing the role will have big shoes to fill (literally).
The Next Generation
Finally, there will always be young girls dreaming of playing Dorothy themselves. And who knows? Maybe one of them will be the next Judy Garland, inspiring generations of future performers to follow in her footsteps.
The Non-Human Dorothy
And let's not forget: in some productions of The Wizard of Oz, the role of Dorothy is played by a dog. Specifically, Toto. And let's face it, he's pretty darn cute in those little blue gingham dresses.
So whether it's a young girl with pigtails or a four-legged friend, Dorothy will always have a place in our hearts and on our stages.
Auntie Em's Surprise Pick: Who Plays Dorothy?
It was a hot summer day in Kansas when Auntie Em gathered everyone in the town square to announce her surprise pick for the role of Dorothy in the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the townsfolk eagerly awaited the announcement. Would it be Barbara from accounting who always wanted to be a star? Or would it be Jonah Hill in a wig? No one could have guessed what Auntie Em had in store.
Moochie the Neighbor's Dog
Suddenly, Moochie the neighbor's dog ran onto the stage, wagging his tail and barking excitedly. Everyone was confused until Auntie Em explained that Moochie had been secretly taking singing lessons and had the voice of an angel. The townsfolk were skeptical, but Auntie Em was adamant that Moochie was the perfect choice for the role of Dorothy.
The Local Crazy Cat Lady
Some grumbled that Auntie Em had lost her marbles, but she reminded them of the local crazy cat lady who had played Glinda the Good Witch last year and had stolen the show. The townsfolk grudgingly conceded that she had a point.
Toto's Backup Dancer
Moochie was thrilled to be given the opportunity to showcase his talents, but there was one problem: who would play Toto? Auntie Em had the solution - another surprise pick. She selected a group of kindergarten students with excellent time management skills to be Toto's backup dancers. They were overjoyed at the chance to be part of the production and promised to behave themselves.
The Wicked Witch's Long Lost Twin
As for the other roles, Auntie Em had some more surprises up her sleeve. The wicked witch's long lost twin would be played by a giant scarecrow with a surprisingly beautiful singing voice. No one could believe their ears when they heard him belt out his first solo.
A Foldable Lawn Chair (Only Available on Amazon)
For the role of the wizard, Auntie Em had an unconventional choice in mind - a foldable lawn chair that she had found on Amazon. She explained that it was the perfect prop for the role and would make the production truly unique.
The townsfolk were skeptical at first, but as they watched Moochie and the kindergarten dancers rehearse, they began to see the magic in Auntie Em's choices. They had never seen a production of The Wizard of Oz quite like this before.
As opening night approached, the excitement in the air was palpable. The townsfolk couldn't wait to see Auntie Em's surprise picks in action.
When the curtain finally rose, Moochie took center stage and began to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. The townsfolk were stunned - his voice was even better than Auntie Em had promised.
As the production unfolded, the townsfolk laughed and cheered at the unexpected twists and turns. They had never had so much fun at a play before.
In the end, Auntie Em's surprise picks had been a resounding success. The townsfolk couldn't stop talking about the production for weeks to come.
Who knew that Moochie the neighbor's dog and a foldable lawn chair could bring so much joy to a small town in Kansas?
The Search for Dorothy
Who Plays Dorothy?
It was the hottest topic in Hollywood. Everyone was asking, Who will play Dorothy in the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz? The producers scoured the country, holding auditions in every major city, but they just couldn't find the right girl for the role.
That's when they turned to me, a lowly intern in the casting department. They said, You seem to have a good eye for talent. Can you help us find our Dorothy?
Of course, I jumped at the chance. It was my big break! I spent weeks sifting through headshots and watching audition tapes. And then, finally, I found her. The perfect Dorothy.
Point of View: Who Plays Dorothy?
Let me tell you, this girl was something special. She had the voice of an angel and the spirit of a lion. When she walked into the audition room, I knew she was the one. There was just one problem...
She was a chicken.
Yes, you heard that right. A chicken. But not just any chicken. This was Henrietta, the most talented chicken I had ever seen. She could sing, dance, and act better than half the people who had auditioned for the role.
The producers were skeptical, of course. They didn't think a chicken could carry a show. But I convinced them to give Henrietta a chance. And boy, did she deliver.
Table: Keywords
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| The Wizard of Oz | A classic American film based on the book by L. Frank Baum |
| Auditions | The process of trying out for a role in a play or movie |
| Dorothy | The main character in The Wizard of Oz, a young girl from Kansas |
| Henrietta | A talented chicken who played Dorothy in a production of The Wizard of Oz |
In the end, Henrietta stole the show. Audiences were amazed by her performance and she became an overnight sensation. Who knew a chicken could play Dorothy so well?
So, if you're ever looking for the perfect Dorothy, just remember: it doesn't have to be a person. It could be a chicken.
So, Who Plays Dorothy?
Well, hello there! I hope you've enjoyed our little journey into the world of The Wizard of Oz. We've talked about everything from the history of the book and movie to the symbolism behind the story. But there's one question that still remains unanswered: Who plays Dorothy?
I know, it's been bugging you this whole time. You've been sitting there thinking, I don't care about the Lollipop Guild or the Wicked Witch of the West. Just tell me who's playing Dorothy!
Well, my friend, I'm here to put your mind at ease. The answer is...drumroll please...it depends!
Okay, okay, I know that's not the answer you were hoping for. But let me explain. Over the years, there have been many different adaptations of The Wizard of Oz, and each one has had a different actress playing Dorothy.
In the original 1939 movie, the role was played by a young Judy Garland. She was only 16 years old at the time, but she captured the innocence and naivety of Dorothy perfectly. Her performance of Over the Rainbow is still considered one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
Of course, there have been other versions of the story since then. In the 1978 animated film The Wiz, a young Diana Ross played Dorothy. And in the 2015 TV movie The Wiz Live!, the part went to newcomer Shanice Williams.
But that's not all! There have also been stage productions of The Wizard of Oz, both on Broadway and in regional theaters across the country. Each production has its own unique take on the story, and each actress playing Dorothy brings her own interpretation to the role.
So, who plays Dorothy? It really depends on which version of the story you're watching. But no matter who's playing her, one thing is for sure: Dorothy will always be a beloved character in the hearts of audiences everywhere.
I hope this little detour into the world of The Wizard of Oz has been enlightening for you. Remember, there's always more to discover about your favorite movies and stories. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun!
And if you ever find yourself lost in a strange and magical land, just click your heels together three times and say, There's no place like home. It may not actually transport you back to Kansas, but it's worth a shot, right?
Thanks for stopping by, and until next time, stay curious!
Who Plays Dorothy?
Who is the actress playing Dorothy in the new version of The Wizard of Oz?
Well, folks, I hate to break it to you, but there is no new version of The Wizard of Oz with a new Dorothy. So, let's just stick to the classics, shall we?
Who played Dorothy in the original Wizard of Oz movie?
Judy Garland played Dorothy in the original The Wizard of Oz movie. She was only 16 years old when she starred in the film, and her performance was nothing short of iconic.
Who played Dorothy in the famous Broadway musical Wicked?
Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the Broadway musical Wicked. While she didn't play Dorothy, her performance was still absolutely incredible.
Who played Dorothy in The Wiz Live! television special?
Shanice Williams played Dorothy in The Wiz Live! television special. She was relatively unknown before landing the role, but she quickly won over audiences with her talent and charm.
Who would you cast as Dorothy in a modern-day remake?
Oh, I don't know, maybe we should just leave The Wizard of Oz alone and stop trying to remake everything? But if I had to pick someone, I'd say Zendaya would make a pretty great Dorothy. She's got the talent, the charisma, and the ruby slippers to pull it off.
In summary:
- There is no new version of The Wizard of Oz with a new Dorothy
- Judy Garland played Dorothy in the original movie
- Idina Menzel played Elphaba in Wicked, not Dorothy
- Shanice Williams played Dorothy in The Wiz Live!
- Let's just leave The Wizard of Oz alone, but if we must, Zendaya would make a great Dorothy