In an unprecedented achievement, Windmill Theatre has secured six Helpmann Award nominations for its 2009 production of The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum.

The nominations include:
• Best Musical: The Wizard of Oz, Windmill Theatre
• Best Direction of Musical: Rosemary Myers
• Best Female Actor in a Musical: Ursula Yovich
• Best Female Supporting Actor in a Musical: Jude Henshall
• Best Male Supporting Actor in a Musical: Geoff Revell
• Best Presentation for Children: The Wizard of Oz, Windmill Theatre

Also, the company has been asked to showcase an excerpt from the show, live on stage at the 10th Annual Helpmann Awards Ceremony to be held on September 6, 2010 at the Sydney Opera House.

“This is certainly a first and we couldn’t be happier that it is for this fabulous show that we are all so proud of," said Teena Munn, Windmill Theatre's Executive Producer/General Manager.

“We were thrilled to see The Wizard of Oz voted as Adelaide’s favourite production by the general public but to have this level of national industry recognition is a huge credit to our company.”

Artistic Director of Windmill, and director of The Wizard of Oz, Rose Myers, said,

“What an amazing honour to receive so many nominations amongst such high calibre Australian artists.

“I am delighted for the whole team behind the show and in particular Ursula, Jude and Geoff who have been recognized for their outstanding performances.”

The nomination announcement came on the same day as the opening of Windmill’s next offering: the world premiere of Fugitive by Matthew Whittet, directed by Rosemary Myers.

A full list of Helpmann Nominations can be viewed at www.helpmannawards.com.au. See what else Windmill are up to by visiting their website - www.windmill.org.au