Over the Rainbow down to 3 finalists

Three young Ontario women are competing for the role of their lives as CBCs Over the Rainbow begins its final competition Sunday evening.

A.J.Bridel of Kitchener, Ont., Danielle Wade of LaSalle, Ont., and Stephanie La Rochelle of Ottawa are the final three contenders for the part of Dorothy in a new production of The Wizard of Oz to hit the Toronto stage this December.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has created a new stage adaptation of the classic story, willbe looking onSunday evening as they demonstrate their musical and acting ability in a bid to wear the ruby slippers.

Judging panel Arlene Phillips, Louise Pitre and Thom Allison will weigh in on each finalist, but it will be up to Canadian voters to decide who becomes Dorothy.

Bridel, 18, trained in vocals, drama and dance at Eastwood Collegiate and has played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Mimi in RENT and Pepper in Annie. She also has performed as a soloist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra.

Wade,20, is studying acting at University of Windsor and has played roles such as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical, Cinderella in Into The Woods and was part of the cast in Carner & Gregor's Barely Legal Showtune Extravaganza in New York City.

La Rochelle, 18, is a musician and singer-songwriter with a high profile on YouTube. She is trained in singing, dancing, acting, guitar and piano and has played Anne in Anne of Green Gables.

The winner will be announcedduring the finale results episode on Monday on CBC-TV.

The prize is an opportunity tostar in The Wizard of Oz, opening this December at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto.