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The Wizard of Oz RSC Version

Author: Ann Platten

Information

Date
15th September 2018
Society
Colchester Operatic Society
Venue
The Mercury Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Adam Woodhouse
Musical Director
Geoff Osborne
Choreographer
Adam Woodhouse

I had the pleasure of seeing and reviewing this production twice, and loved both performances with the total commitment of all the cast, whether in a major role, smaller character role, or the very important chorus and dancers. All shone through with outstanding performances all round and a terrific casting of all characters in the show.

Not an easy show to stage with especially demanding set changes including lighting and cover with underscored music, but all worked so well and well done to the crew for such hard work.

Now to the main characters, starting with the demanding role of Dorothy played on alternate performances by Sophie Ramsay and Isabelle Robinson.

Sophie has appeared in four previous shows with the company and has also performed with other groups. This was Isabelle’s first show with CO2 but Isabelle has also performed with the Essex Group.

Both had great singing voices and were excellent in the role and gave outstanding performances in two individual styles, which was very interesting to observe. I hope both continue for many more years and do well in whatever the future holds.

The Scarecrow played by Corey Moore, Tin Man played by Josh Tarrier and the Lion played by Alex Terry were brilliant, each and every one, from the athletic gentle Scarecrow so lovable with Corey, devoted Tin Man with Josh, and the gentle giant with Alex were all so different and perfect in their characters. These three doubled up as people in Dorothy’s life at the start of the show and morphed into the three characters Dorothy met along the way to find the Wizard of Oz.

Dear Auntie Em with Bethany Adamson was lovely, along with Jake Daniels as Uncle Henry.

The two very contrasting Witches, Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West with Laura Perrin as the “Good Witch” and Sophie Twohey as the “Bad Witch” made good impressions in the show and the audience loved them. Both have been members of CO2 for several shows.

 Now there is one further member and a very important one not yet mentioned!!The gorgeous Tonto played by Meela an adorable Cairn Terrier who rather stole the show and everyone’s heart. A happy little personality so involved in all that was happening. The children in the audience loved her and I would guess so did the cast?

All other smaller roles were all very good adding valuable contribution to the show.

Really super chorus/dancers with great singing and slick dance routines making full ensemble numbers such fun and so polished.

 I was a little confused with the entrance and impact of the Wizard? It was rather understated, with very little lighting to see his first appearance? Perhaps it was intentional because he was not the powerful ruler after all?

A production where all sorts of unexpected things happened to hold the audience attention, and with colourful bright costumes which all fitted so well which gave the production added style.

Great support from the Orchestra under the direction of Geoff and an amazing imaginative production and choreography from Adam.

A truly magical production which every child and adult watching must have enjoyed so much.

Thank you for your hospitality and welcome. I wish you every success in all that both groups, COS and CO2 perform in the future.

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