The Wizard Of Oz

A new and fresh approach to this production of The Wizard of Oz for AAODS Jrs. with a minimal set giving space to the cast, the yellow brick road not overtaking the scenes, and welcoming us to the theatre, a dark screen showing the impending twister, which was atmospheric instead of the usual bright sunny day.

Well this cast certainly do not appear as juniors! These were polished mature performances and belied their ages which were from 8 to 13 years, a new image name maybe!!

Opening the show in the well staged Kansas scene the confident Delilah Iris Jones as Dorothy , her stage presence, diction and lovely voice gave us a very special Dorothy, her interaction with all on stage as she shone in every scene.

Dorothy’s puppet dog Toto, cleverly made by Director Alys and Lily Webb the skilled controller, so well done. Her reaction to her friends Scarecrow/Hunk, a lively performance from Tansy Newsam who really made this characterisation her own and great fun, Lion/Zeke Robert Lewis a really strong performance and Tinman /Hickory Oliver Powell worked well to make him human, all sang together brilliantly, and the energy was fabulous from this famous four.

Glinda/Aunt Em, Olivia O’Gorman moved so well and created an ethereal vision as she swept on stage her beautiful voice enhanced the scene. also well played as Dorothy’s Aunt Em. Callie Trumper Davies as Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch played Miss Gulch with menace and made the most of this famous witch role with her great cackle!! Campbell Mathias was an exceptional The Wizard/The Professor in command of every scene excellent diction and stage presence.

Rosie Spencer had just the right humour for these parts of Uncle Henry/The Guard superb characterisations.

I was impressed by the Crows ,the Trees, Winkie Guards and the Flying Monkeys, every dance routine was precision with effective costumes.

The total cast really brought the house down acting, singing and dancing, innovative choreography all within the casts ability throughout and great enthusiasm on their way to the Emerald City

The audience said it all and the packed houses gave them a standing ovation.

Congratulations and well done Production Team Alys Le Moignan -Williams and Meg-Trinder

There is so much talent here and no doubt they will all be back next year to delight their audience with their next fabulous show, I look forward to it.

Thank you for your kind hospitality on my visit to Oz !!

THIS REVIEW IS THE SOLE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR DEE Mc ILROY

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