The Wizard of Oz

I was excited for my first visit to Northallerton Musical Theatre Company to see their production of “The Wizard of Oz”. The 1939 MGM classic has always been a family favourite, and this version was particularly true to the original, bringing nostalgic memories alive in modern day theatre.

The role of Dorothy was played by Ruth Asquith. It must be challenging to play a role like Dorothy, as each person had their own individual preconceptions to how this role looks. I feel that Ruth portrayed a Dorothy that everyone recognises. “Somewhere over the Rainbow” was sung beautifully, aided with a light vibrato that brought an innocence to the character. Ruth was supported by the wonderful Toto who was played by Olive, the wire-haired Jack Russell terrier. Olive stole the hearts of the audience with her timely barks at the wicked witch and her immaculate behaviour. This pair was a joy to see on stage.

The vocal of the night goes to Heidi Bradley who played Glinda, the Good Witch. Heidi demonstrated both control and quality in her vocalisation of this character. She held a strong, received pronunciation accent in her dialog which then lent itself immaculately in her classical singing tone. It transfigured the audience back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Heidi kept her poise throughout and delivered a notable performance – Well done.  

Joining Dorothy on her adventure to see the Wizard of Oz was her three companions: Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion. Playing the role of Scarecrow was Robert Drane. Robert effectively utilised Physical Theatre to establish this character’s comedic nuances well. His performance brought the lovable, brainless character to life with charm and charisma; pairing this with an effective vocal, he delivered a strong performance. The role of Tin Man was played by Joseph Arnott whose portrayal of this character added a charming level of authenticity and developed a well-defined character performance. The stand of this trio was Will Jackson, playing the role of Lion. It is not often that you find a performer who can seamlessly combine vocal talent, character depth, and a strong sense of pacing, but Will Jackson accomplished just that. His performance as the Lion was a highlight of the production and contributed significantly to the overall success of "The Wizard of Oz" – Well done.

The Wicked Witch of the West was played by Tracie Birdsall. From the moment she graced the stage, Tracie exuded a commanding presence that drew the audience in. Her cackling laughter, menacing gestures, and theatrical expressions added depth to her character. She effortlessly embraced the role's villainous aspects while infusing it with a playful and entertaining quality that resonated with both young and adult members of the audience.

The ensemble, consisting of both children and adults delivered a memorable and enchanting performance. Their collective effort, combined with the effective use of costume and staging, added a vibrancy to the show. In "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," the ensemble showcased their remarkable pacing and synchronized movements. The jubilant and celebratory atmosphere of the scene was heightened by their precise choreography and exuberant energy. The ensemble's enthusiasm was infectious, and it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement as they sang and danced their way through this iconic moment. Similarly, in "Merry Old Land of Oz," the ensemble once again demonstrated their prowess in staging and pacing. Their collective efforts created a lively and bustling atmosphere, perfectly encapsulating the whimsical charm of the Land of Oz. The choreography and staging in this scene brought a sense of unity and joy to the production, and their well-coordinated performance was a highlight of the show.

The show was supported by Director/Musical Director Paul Laidlaw who coordinated the orchestra to support the cast. His vision encapsulated the original film allowing the audience to be brought back in time and enjoy this much-loved classic film – Well done.  I very much look forward to your next production. Well done NMTC!

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