The Wizard of Oz

Parish Players

The Wizard of Oz                                                                                                                  

As seen by: Frankie Telford on February 16th 2018

Director: Linda Evans

Musical Director: Chloe Allsopp-Jones

Choreographer: Jill Harris                                                                                                            

The Parish Hall, Tockington

It was a delight to see the Frank Gabrielson adaptation of this show once again as it is many years since I last saw it, as most companies these days seem to prefer the RSC version.

Once again Andy Black had designed and executed outstanding artwork for the fairy tale sets, taking us from the Gale’s Farm in Kansas to the wonderful world beyond the rainbow. The storm and transition worked well, with the challenge of the revolving bridge on this small stage being simply overcome by employing some witches to do the work.  There were some excellent lighting effects and use of follow spot throughout, such as in the brightness of Munchkinland; the spookiness of the forest and witches castle; the ‘Jitterbug’; the UV lighting in the ‘skeleton dance’; and the combination of falling snow and lighting for the snowflake dance made the whole thing stunning.  The show had been well costumed by the wardrobe team with the farm hands, colourful Munchkins, skeletons, snowflakes, and witches.  The costumes for the Emerald City, especially the military costumes were well done.  The costumes for Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Dorothy were just what the audience expected.  The makeup team had must have been kept busy with all the character makeup required.  Choreographer, Jill Harris, had devised some lovely routines especially for the Jitterbug and the ballerina snowflakes; with joyous dancing for Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead.

A small four-piece band, once again under the superb direction of Chloe Allsopp-Jones, provided the music for the show.  The musicians were always sympathetic to the unamplified voices and provided covering music for the scene changes.  The songs had been well taught and were all well sung, I enjoyed hearing again the lovely song ‘Evening Star’ which is not in the RSC version.

This show, which gives ample opportunity for young and older people to perform, was well cast. Everyone, both the main characters and supporting actors, were confident, enthusiastic, and understanding what was expected of them.

Director Linda Evans and her team had once again brought a ‘big’ production to a small stage and injected the enthusiasm and vitality which only comes from hours of hard work on everyone’s part.  There were lovely sets, colourful costumes, good singing, dancing and acting and a great deal of fun, especially in the shrinking of the witch.  Thank you all for a very entertaining evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.