The Wizaed of Oz

St. Cuthbert’s Operatic and Dramatic Society very kindly invited me to review their production of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’  Originally a children’s novel, written in 1900, by L. Frank Baum, made famous worldwide by the 1939 musical film adaptation, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a fantastical tale about friendship, home, and good triumphing over evil. It is the story of a Kansas farm girl: Dorothy, and her little dog Toto. They end up in the magical land of Oz after being swept away by a tornado. Dorothy learns that she must destroy the Wicked Witch of the West before she can return home.

Directors: Janet Gilbert and Lesley Riley created a wonderfully clever production, it was imaginative and exciting, with fantastic effects throughout. Using an actual dog to play the role of Toto was brilliant. The cast were all strong players, the ensemble animated and engaging. Colours flooded the stage, costumes, lighting, set, all vibrant and beautiful. I thought the tornado scene was fabulous, as the wind picked up, the washing on the line began moving, becoming more frantic before dancers dressed in black and grey spun onto the stage and whipped both washing and line away. They continued swirling around the stage bringing with them handheld cutouts of the farmhouse, Miss Gulch on her bicycle, cows, and anything else swept up in the storm. Combined with lights and sound effects, it was excellent. The scene with the apple trees looked great. The trees, wore floor length brown dresses, arms held aloft to form branches; Deely Boppers on their heads covered in leaves and red apples. The scathing tree related jokes they aimed at the cast were jolly funny with excellent comic timing. I loved the yellow brick road, unfurling with the ensemble as the ‘Munchkins’ wound around the stage with Dorothy and Toto following. There were so many innovative touches that ran throughout this production. Dorothy gained the ruby slippers, unseen, whilst stood on the stage. The actor on a small rise, her feet concealed by the ensemble, the slippers exchanged without Dorothy flinching or breaking character:  fabulous teamwork from all involved. Lesley and her team supplied costumes; The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion were fantastic, with their makeup by Janet and her team of artists, the three looked perfect.

Musical Director: Mick Dawson had honed his cast. Ensemble numbers were strong. ‘Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead’ was great, it was jolly, and the cast looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Throughout the show, the leading cast had great timing and the harmonies were impressive. Martin Johnson provided the sound. Microphones were clear with no dropouts or feedback. Sound effects used had great timing. Oz’s powerful voice reverberated around the auditorium, the sounds of the tornado loud and aggressive. Musical numbers were just the right mix of vocals to music, lyrics were clear throughout. Choreography by Janice Condon and Tori Grayson was lively and entertaining. I thought the ‘Jitterbug’ was great, the dancers synchronised and looking fabulous in their costumes. ‘The Merry Old Land of Oz’ was vibrant, the energy strong. This was a slick, well paced production. Stage Manager Dan Tynnan, and his backstage team worked quickly and quietly. The ‘big’ scene change, Dorothy clicking the heels on the ruby slippers, to return home, covered by hypnotic, swirling lights and snippets of retraced conversation, effortlessly disguised the team working hard behind the backdrop. I particularly liked the huge green doors that opened into Oz, they were impressively wobble free. Lighting by Paddy Keane and John Bradshaw was fabulous. The lights for the poppy field scene: spinning snowflake effects, looked beautiful. Scenes were bright and colourful, then dark and evocative. I loved the smokey green effects that followed the witch, and the orange gels used to introduce the lion, the whole lighting plot was impressive. I particularly liked the props used in this show. Catherine Broadley, Sue Stockburn, and team made every effort to impress, the witch’s broom lit up red and fired sparks, and the campfire in Marvel’s scene looked realistic. Pieces used were of the era, tiny details attended to, the sign declaring’The Witch is Dead,’ made me giggle as did the legs under the house, especially as the slivered back off the stage. Well done all.

Heading up the cast as the iconic Dorothy Gale was Fiona Stewart. Fiona was strong from the moment she stepped onto the stage. Her accent and delivery were fabulous, her characterisation excellent. Fiona had some fabulous facial expressions, giving a physical as well as vocal performance; fully immersed in her role. ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ was simply lovely. Fiona had a wonderful singing voice that rang out clearly, and an energy that did not dissipate. An exceptional performance.

Playing the role of Toto was Bo Turner. Bo was perfect for the role, an 11yr old Toy Poodle/Pomeranian cross, with a black coat and very obedient manner. Bo stole the hearts of the audience when she ran to ‘hide,’ - her head in the wings and her back legs and tail popping out onto stage. Then again when she followed Professor Marvel as he waved a sausage on a stick in front of her, the audience gave a little cheer and laughed heartily when the sausage finally got close enough to steal. Bo’s handler, Marcia Turner did a fabulous job of teaching Bo stage craft. Bo was unfazed by the audience, the lights and noise, giving a wonderful performance. As Toto, Bo worked well with her fellow cast member throughout the entire production, behaving impeccably on stage.

On the Gale family farm, the three farmhands, Hunk, Hickory, and Zeke become the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion in Oz. Rachel Bailey played Scarecrow (Hunk). Rachel was great in this role, her accent, and mannerisms were noteworthy. This was a physical role, and Rachel had excellent comic timing as she tumbled on the stage. With a strong singing voice, Rachel gave a confident, jolly funny performance.

Richard Parrish was memorable as the Tin Man, (Hickory). He moved in a deliberate stiff, especially whenever he needed oiling. Richard’s facial expressions were comical, his characterisation splendid. His vocals were strong, his dialogue and accent bob-on.

Robin Reed was excellent as the cowardly Lion. He was very comical throughout and the audience laughed aloud when he delivered his ‘Lion King’ speech. His accent was great, his characterisation fabulous. Robin had a great solo; ‘If I Were King of the Forest,’ he was funny, animated, and made the audience laugh aloud.

Helen Pollard played Wicked Witch of the West (Miss Gulch). Helen had a great accent, and just the right amount of evil. Her delivery was well timed, her characterisation solid. The audience booed at one point as she entered side stage, clearly embracing her portrayal. The scenes with Nikko, the flying monkey, played by Laura Wilkinson were often quite comical. Laura adeptly scurrying around screeching, whilst Helen shouted at her. Well done both.

Marina Murray looked resplendent as Glinda. She appeared from the back of the audience and wove her way towards the stage in a beautiful sparkling gown. The lights picked up every gemstone in her crown, creating an ethereal glow around her. Her gentle mannerisms in complete contrast to the Wicked Witch. Her opening segment of ‘Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead,’ was simply lovely.

The Wizard of Oz and Professor Marvel was played by Paul Cross. Paul’s deep booming voice as the wizard was excellent. Paul has great stage presence; he was confident and humerous. I loved his fortune telling hat as Marvel, it garnered a laugh from the audience.

With John McNabb playing the kindly Uncle Henry and a very funny Guard of Emerald city, and Rachel Barrowlough as the homely Auntie Em, the cast was complete. There were many memorable performances in this production. I enjoyed the Crows and their song/dance routine, and the Winkies, (the Wicked Witch’s army), lead by Craig Fletcher as the Winkie General. It was a colourful, vibrant production, each scene carefully crafted. Well done all.

I would like to thank St. Cuthbert’s Operatic and Dramatic Society for looking after me and my plus one for the evening. I look forward to seeing more shows from them in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

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