Welcome to The Chronicles of Oz - A Journey Beyond the Rainbow
The Chronicles of Oz is a groundbreaking audio drama series that reimagines L. Frank Baum’s beloved Oz universe through a lens that blends whimsical fantasy with gripping political drama. Inspired by the rich storytelling and fantastical world Baum created over a century ago, our series embarks on a bold quest to explore the untold stories and complex characters of Oz with a contemporary twist. Imagine the intricate political narratives of Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing set against the backdrop of Oz’s enchanting landscapes — this is the world of The Chronicles of Oz.
Our Vision
Our series is crafted for those who cherish the nostalgia of the Oz books but crave a narrative that resonates with the complexities of our world today. We dive deep into the heart of Oz, where the fallout of the Wicked Witch of the East’s demise triggers a civil war, showcasing how characters navigate through the fantastical events with realistic emotions and decisions. This unique approach not only honors the original whimsy but also introduces a layer of realism that challenges characters and listeners alike.
Who it's for
The Chronicles of Oz is designed for fans of the Oz books, complete with easter eggs that delight and surprise while also appealing to audio drama enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of fantasy and realism. Our narrative is sophisticated and layered, intended for an audience that values depth in their audio experiences. While our series is accessible to a broad audience, it is specifically crafted with an adult audience in mind, offering a rich and engaging listening experience that goes beyond the surface.
The Creative Minds Behind the Curtain
At the helm of The Chronicles of Oz is Aron Toman, the visionary writer, creator, director, sound designer, and voice of the Scarecrow. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Aron leads a talented team and cast that brings the magic of Oz to life. Our cast includes local Melbourne talents and remote actors from around the globe, such as Kara Dennison as Dorothy Gale from the USA. The series boasts professional-level sound engineering by Daniel Burnett, with David Nagel contributing to sound design and music composed by Tony Diana, ensuring each episode is an auditory feast.
What Sets Us Apart
The Chronicles of Oz stands out with its professional sound design, international cast, and a fresh take on the Oz lore. We pay homage to Baum’s creations while weaving our own narrative threads, creating a series that feels familiar yet entirely new. Our unique blend of fantasy and political drama, coupled with high-quality production values and a dedication to storytelling, ensures a captivating listening experience.
Join Our Community
Our journey is shared with an active and vibrant community on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, where fans can engage, discuss, and immerse themselves in the world of Oz. With plans for live streams, live events, and our presence at conventions like OzCon International, we invite our listeners to become part of the ongoing story of The Chronicles of Oz.
Dive Into the world of Oz Like Never Before
Discover the intrigue, the magic, and the complexity of Oz through The Chronicles of Oz. Join us beyond the rainbow for a story that entwines fantasy with reality, politics with whimsy, and creates a world where every voice tells a story. Welcome to Oz, reimagined.
The Cast of Oz
Dorothy
Kara Dennison plays Dorothy Gale’s central role. Regular listeners will remember her as the Computer in the Doctor Who Crossover Adventures, but that’s only the start of what Kara gets up to. Writer, presenter, performer, artist, and costumer, she’s also one of the faces behind ReGeneration Who, the mid-Atlantic’s premier Doctor Who convention.
We’re delighted to have Kara on board to play this iconic role.
The Scarecrow
Playing the Scarecrow is Aron Toman, who also writes and directs the Chronicles of Oz. You’ll remember Aron as the Doctor in the Doctor Who Crossover Adventures. He has been making himself known around the amateur theatre circuit in Melbourne, Australia, as Artistic Director of Pop Culture Theatre.
Aron has long wanted to play the Scarecrow, and he’s thrilled that he’s finally had the opportunity to bring him to life.
The Tin Woodman
Scobie Parker is taking on the role of the Tin Woodman. Although he may be new to the audio drama world, he has over twenty years of experience in theatres across Melbourne and Australia and minor roles in several long-running TV shows and short films.
We look forward to hearing him show his metal as the Tin Woodman!
The Lion
Many audio drama listeners know Tom Denham’s voice, and now he’s adding the Cowardly Lion to his repertoire. One of the founders of Illusionist Productions and soon to launch a new series of Doctor Who audios under Hive-Mind Media, Tom’s finally appearing in a Crossover Adventure Production. But does he have the courage to get to the Emerald City? Of course!
The Wizard of Oz
You can’t adapt The Wonderful Wizard of Oz if you don’t have a Wonderful Wizard – and Rob Lloyd is definitely that! You’ve seen him on ABC3 as Bertram Poppingstock: Problem Solver, on stage in the comedy shows Who Me and others, and you probably know him as that guy who looks a bit like David Tennant. His list of credits is as long as your arm, and we’re delighted that we’re adding The Chronicles of Oz to that list.
You can read more about Rob at http://www.roblloyd.com.au.
The Wicked Witch of the West
Elise D’Amico is another new voice to audio drama – but given how frightening she is as the Wicked Witch of the West, perhaps that’s for the best! Elise is a regular performer on the Melbourne stage, with critical roles in My First Time, Hotel Sorrento, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and dozens more. She’s having a blast defying gravity in Oz and is sure to finally achieve that ambition of terrifying small children worldwide.
Glinda, Good Witch of the South
Whenever there’s evil, there’s always good, and the witches of Oz are no exception.
Wendy Robinson plays Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. Regular listeners will remember Wendy as the Angel of Blinding Light in our most recent Doctor Who adventure. In the rest of the world, she’s a freelance voice actress, having worked for Swarovski, ProActive, and Mercedes Benz Melbourne (to name a few). Wendy says that her happy place is behind the mic, and these audio dramas have been great fun to be involved with.
Make sure you like Wendy’s Facebook Page VocalEssence!
Omby Amby, Guardian of the Throne
A well-run Emerald City needs a well-organised Chief of Staff, and as Guardian of the Throne, Omby Amby keeps everything running to schedule- at least until some girl from Kansas turns up.
David Nagel plays Omby Amby. Regular listeners will remember him from most of our previous episodes; he usually appears somewhere. He’s also a familiar voice across the interwebs as the Doctor in his own series produced by DAM Productions, plus voicing for commercials, audiobooks, and dozens of other things. He’s also doing half the sound design for The Chronicles of Oz – in between his sound design work with Big Finish Productions, of course!
We’re fortunate to have David working with us so closely, and we’re looking forward to hearing him keep the Emerald City in line!
Jellia Jamb, Guardian of the People
When you want to know what’s happening in the Emerald City and be sure you’re getting the correct information, then look to Jellia Jamb. As Guardian of the People, she shapes the Wizard’s message to reassure the people of Oz that everything is fine. The Witches can’t get you here, and the Emerald City is protected. You couldn’t ask for a better press secretary!
Michelle Drinnan is another recruit from the Melbourne theatre scene, playing Jellia Jamb. She is a multi-award winner on the Victorian Drama League One Act Play Festival circuit (as are most of our cast), with prolific roles with Gemco Players and other companies. She also runs her own company, Moz Theatre Enterprises. She’s passionate about community theatre, particularly youth theatre, and volunteers with several companies to grow the theatre industry in many ways.
Faramant, Guardian of the Gates
Rounding out the administrative team of the Emerald City is Faramant, Guardian of the Gates. As head of security, Faramant sees that the Emerald Citizens are safe and protected from threats from the rest of Oz. He supervises the Storkguards, directs the Palace Guards, and maintains order. Nothing, short of a girl in magic shoes and a yappy dog, can get past him.
Brett Underwood plays Faramant, who regular listeners will remember as Jayden from the Doctor Who Crossover Adventures. But Brett’s credits are extensive – he was in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as Young Lucius Malfoy, co-hosted Totally Doctor Who, had roles with Big Finish Productions, and is a prolific performer on YouTube. You might have seen his most recent web series, Bitesize Who, which is worth seeing if you haven’t!
Ugu
Every Wicked Witch needs a minion, and of all the Winkies she chose Ugu. Poor Ugu. Life is never easy when you’re in the employ of a Wicked Witch. When you know that at any moment, she could lose her temper and fry you on the spot, it’s always living on a knife edge, and poor Ugu is always terrified!
Benjamin Maio Mackay (with the longest name in the cast and the shortest character name!) has been busy with many projects. He’s behind Preachrs Podcast Online and OnStage, as well as his interview podcast Talk 2 Me! showcasing a range of actors, directors, writers and performers, you’ve heard of. He’s also hosted programs on ABC Radio and is often seen touring stage shows around Australia. Benjamin’s current project is the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Live National Tour, which he produced, adapted, and directed.
Locasta, Good Witch of the North
There’s more than one good witch in Oz, thank goodness. In the north, where the Gillikins live, is Locasta, the Good Witch of the North, who feels it her duty to set Dorothy on the right path in this new land- literally.
You’ll all remember Jennifer Alyx as Destina from the Doctor Who Crossover Adventures. But her voice acting credits are as long as your arm. You can hear her work in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, Skip Beat, Heroes of Newrth, Harmony Revolt, and Little Witch Academia, among others. We’re happy to have Jennifer back on board for another Crossover Adventure Production!
The Crew of Oz
Aron Toman – Writer, Director and Sound Design
David Nagel – Sound Design
Daniel Burnett – Sound Recording
Tony Diana – Music