The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz’ is very well known musical, much loved by many and therefore there are certain aspects which must be as the public expects or audiences will be disappointed.  There was certainly no disappointment when I attended the Friday night performance. A full house at every performance ensured plenty of audience participation and great appreciation.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is often thought to be a vehicle for children’s performance and entertainment, but it  is  not necessarily  shown to best advantage if adults are excluded from the production. Portishead Players took the decision to have an excellent mix of both and enhanced the production.  This was a traditional version of the show and was excellent entertainment.

The performances by the principal characters were most enjoyable ... a delightful Dorothy with her command of the role in both singing and acting ... a very good Scarecrow, who was a superb dancer and performer, very adept on her ‘wobbly legs’ ... a strong and commanding role from Tin Man, and an endearing comic and entertaining Lion. These were the ‘magnificent four’! With a superb Wicked Witch … scary, funny with a wonderful character and a pretty sweet Glinda, the scene was set for a very entertaining show.

All the cameo roles and the whole company completed a very strong cast showing energy and enthusiasm. Note ... some of the children show great promise for the future of Portishead Players!

The direction of the show showed a good understanding of the script and was limited only by the stage size and costs, and although quite a long show, the pace was extremely good. I was very impressed by the special effects, particularly the Tornado with its whirling and noise and also the melting of the witch, simple but very impressive. The music enhanced the production and the choreography complemented the abilities of the cast. Almost the ‘star ‘of the show were the 80 costumes! Apart from 20 costumes from the wardrobe, all were specially made in house by a team of ‘stitchers’. Your wardrobe mistress should be treasured, not just for her ability, but for her depth of vision and imagination ... Wonderful costumes, beautifully worn by the cast … they added colour, interest and totally wowed this reviewer, complementing and completing this attractive musical.

Well done Portishead Players, lovely entertainment for a cold and wet Christmas evening, you sent the audience home with smiles and a warm feeling of nostalgia.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.