The Wizard of Oz

Golborne St Thomas’ ADOS opened last night with their 2019 production of the classic The Wizard of Oz by Frank L Baum.  This version was unlike any other version that I have seen before and included scenes and songs that were not in the well-known film and subsequent musical.  Adapted by Frank Gabrielson, this version gave opportunities for extra witches and a slightly different ending.  Directed and produced by Annemarie Glavin, this production had all the elements to be a real success story.  Most of the elements worked but due to opening night jitters, some missed their mark.  For me, there was a lack of creativity and energy.  There were too many times when the cast were standing in straight lines or that choreography was repeated over and over again.  The chorus looked nervous and it showed on their faces.  Of course, there were many many positives about this production.  The set in particular was great and used very well.  The backcloths that were pulled across the stage looked brilliant and the costumes were equally very good.  Despite the longer (and noisy) scene changes and the obvious mic/sound issues, the lighting design and visuals were simply stunning!  A lot of hard work has gone into the overall visuals which was very much appreciated by me and the rest of the packed audience.  The lighting design was excellent.  I loved the use of the gobos, movers and effects that enhanced location and story.  The set was used very well throughout and despite it being opening night, there were no real issues with scene changes other than some of them taking a little longer than expected.  The storytelling was kept at the forefront and was very well conveyed to the audience. 

For me, there was distinct lack of creativity within the choreography.  There are only so many times you can see box steps, waving arms or marching around the room before it becomes a little boring.  I understand that the space is very limited at this venue, but I personally felt there were missed opportunities to change it up a little.

The musical director for this production was Nerys Williams.  Like the choreography, there wasn’t any great flair or creativity within the direction of this musical.  Perhaps there were missed opportunities for harmonies or more emphasis on timing as the chorus kept running away from the drums.  The drummer and pianist did well to cope with this and I doubt many of the audience even noticed this.

The main cast for this production were quite strong as it was clear to see why each of them were cast in these roles. 

Danielle Lyon played the role of Dorothy.  I enjoyed the various ‘Judyesq’ characteristics that Danielle brought to the role and she had a lovely singing voice throughout.  Her version of ‘Evening Star’ was lovely.

Jessica Payne played the role of the Scarecrow.  Jessica brought a lovely physicality to the role that she kept up throughout the whole piece.  Although her diction could’ve been better, she was great to watch and well cast.

Rachael Lyon played the role of the Tinman.  Rachael was believable as the Tinman and had a lovely rapport with the other three. 

Liam Thompson brought a brilliant energy to the stage as the Cowardly Lion.  His accent was brilliant and well sustained.  Liam gave light and shade to his part and was a particular favourite of most of the audience; myself included.

Michelle Hughes played the role of The Wicked Witch of the West.  Michelle was strong in this role and was very well cast.  It’s a pity that her part is so small as I loved watching her every time she was on stage.  Her projection was brilliant, and she brought a great energy to the role.

It would be unfair of me to mention some of the supporting cast and not of others.  As it was opening night there were some nervous faces from the children, but it was the adults who forgot their lines, looked really nervous and called Dorothy Emma during the opening scene.  The chorus of children did well in their scenes.  A particular highlight were the Emerald City soldiers scenes.

This society is very much part of the community and they were very well supported by the community.  Golborne (STADOS) are providing fantastic opportunities for children and adults within their area and it was a joy to watch some of them on stage.  As a show, could it have been better?  Of course.  But sometimes audience enjoyment and community spirit is far more important than the technicalities of a production.  This production was visually very good.  The lights, costumes, backdrops and set really helped set the tone for the evening, helped establish location and helped develop character and a very enjoyable evening was had by all – what more can you ask than that?

I thank Golborne St Thomas’ for their hospitality and wish them all the very best for their next production of the panto ‘Cinderella’ in Feb 2020.

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