Character guide
Dorothy Gale
from The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy Gale is the young Kansas girl swept into the magical land of Oz in The Wizard of Oz, the 1987 stage musical built on Harold Arlen's beloved score.
- Show
- The Wizard of Oz
- Broadway premiere
- 1987
- Role
- Lead
- Music by
- Harold Arlen
Dorothy Gale: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 1939 MGM film
The stage Dorothy gets a little more of Over the Rainbow than Judy Garland did. The Royal Shakespeare Company version, which premiered at London's Barbican Centre in 1987 with Imelda Staunton as Dorothy, follows the 1939 screenplay closely but restores an additional verse of the song, which MGM had nearly cut from the film entirely because executives felt it slowed the Kansas scenes.
The stage show also restores The Jitterbug, a number Garland recorded with Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr that was cut from the film for time. Garland received a special Juvenile Academy Award for her work.
Who is Dorothy Gale?
Dorothy is an ordinary farm girl whose home is carried away by a tornado, landing her in the strange and colorful world of Oz. Determined to find her way back to Kansas, she sets off down the Yellow Brick Road, gathering companions and facing dangers along the way while never losing her hope of returning home.
Her journey is one of courage and self-discovery, as she learns to rely on her own resourcefulness even while surrounded by fantastical friends and foes.
Dorothy's role in The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy is the lead role and the emotional center of the entire story. The part demands a strong, clear singing voice, genuine warmth, and the stamina to carry nearly every scene, since the audience experiences Oz through her eyes. It is one of the most recognizable leading roles in American musical theatre.
Because the character is so beloved and so closely associated with iconic songs and imagery, the role carries significant expectation, and performers often bring their own freshness to a character audiences already feel they know.
Why Dorothy resonates with audiences
Dorothy's appeal lies in her universality. Her longing for home, her loyalty to her friends, and her steady courage in the face of the unknown speak to audiences of every age, which is a large part of why her story has endured for generations.
Dorothy Gale: frequently asked questions
What show is Dorothy Gale from?
Dorothy Gale is the lead character in The Wizard of Oz, the 1987 stage musical.
Is Dorothy Gale a lead or supporting role?
Dorothy is the lead role, and the story is told largely through her journey and point of view.
Who wrote the music for The Wizard of Oz?
The score is credited to composer Harold Arlen, source of the show's classic, widely loved songs.
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