26th April 2025
Murder on the Airwaves
Three Towns Theatre Company, Upchurch Village Hall
The Wizard of OZ
Author: Gordon Harris
Information
- Date
- 29th October 2022
- Society
- Three Towns Theatre Company
- Venue
- Brook Theatre Chatham
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Samantha Grace
- Musical Director
- Martin Clements
- Choreographer
- Katy Michaeles
THE WIZARD OF OZ is a story familiar to many, with the 1939 film being a classic. Many stage versions are put on the world over, and it is one of the biggest musicals of the century.
Three Towns Theatre Companyw pulled out all the stops to stage a great production at the Brooke Theatre, Chatham with an entertaining and colourful production being a wonderful evening in the theatre. Directed by Samantha Grace, Choregraphed by Katy Michaellides and musical Director Martin Clements, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. Well done you three.
The lead role of Dorothy was played brilliantly by Megan Teesdale, both in acting and voice. Janet Turner played the Wicked Witch, and she was adequate in the role with a rasping cackle!! The three friends Dorothy meets on her journey were also excellent. A brilliant Cowardly Lion, Tony Harrold, who brought laughs from young and old alike with his humour and characterisation. Kirsty Holyer was a delightfully clumsy Scarecrow, entertaining the audience and being full of energy for the whole show. Sam Cura plays the Tin Man, showing off his versatility and talent, Sam has great acting ability. Wizard features many performers shining with less stage time. The Good Witch Amanda Lacy, as does Paul Youdan-Smith as the Wizard and Gloria Amy McKinnon truly makes up the excellent ensemble's performance.
If one can judge a show by the quality in its ensemble, then this Wizard is top notch. I saw a few of old stagers up there, such as ever-the-entertainer Debra Harold as Mayor of Munchkinland. All doing a great job (including Toto the dog - Molly) and Stage Manager Louise Parrott bringing this colourful Oz to Chatham.
With such a small stage and large cast there is much to do behind the scenes. Sam’s directorship adds plenty to the show, using each cast member - as many as there are - to full effect as does Choreographer Katy Michaelides. Martin Clement’s musical directing ensured all went musically correct, both on stage and in the pit.
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