The Australind and Districts Seniors annual variety show The Merry Land of Oz is set to take place this May

The Australind and Districts Seniors will be inviting audiences to follow the yellow brick road this May in the annual variety show The Merry Land of Oz. The production, produced and directed by Eileen Depiazzi, is an altered version of The Wizard of Oz and includes tap dancers, singing and hand-painted backdrops as well as afternoon tea. “We really enjoy taking it to the public, to show them what seniors can do,” Ms Depiazzi said. The show is a joint effort with everyone helping out from members making costumes to creating flyers. “The script learning is very good for their memories and the singing is good for the soul,” Mrs Depiazzi said. The performance usually includes live music. However, after the death of pianist Pat Sutton, the show now includes a mixture of custom and pre-recorded backing tracks. “She played the piano in our shows for about 10 years, and we’d just like to say thank you,” Mrs Depiazzi said. Matinee performances take place on May 9, 15 and 16, after a dinner show on May 8.