The Wizard of Oz

This was a show that can appeal to all ages. A production with a timeless story, well known songs and fantastical characterswho followed Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road.Retaining the story’s original charm, director, Alf Rai, ensured scenes had pace and set transitions were operated at lightening speed. In this respect, the show had fluidity, for no time was lost, and this was matched by an energetic cast who injected a lot of fun and magic onto the stage. What stood out for me was the stunning visuals throughout the show; and for this,Alf and his team are to be congratulated. I refer to thenumerous, vibrant, colourful and creative costumes, the stage design and lighting and the first-class stage effects. The screen projections worked very well too including the cyclone effectin Kansas at the start; and it was especially effective whenpoppy petals slowly fell onto everyone in the auditorium from above. Rob Murray, the musical director, ensured the quality of the vocal performances and orchestrations enhanced thisproduction adding impact to the visionary effects. Lindsey Vickers’ tight choreography made the dance numbers just as bright and fabulous.

The story focuses on Dorothy (Abbie Sellick) who lived on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em (Kelly Ashman/ Tina Stephenson) and Uncle Henry (Jim Steventon), with her dog, Toto. Miss Gulch threatened to take Toto away. Afraid of this,Dorothy dreamt of escaping somewhere far away. One day a cyclone swept across the farm and Dorothy and Toto werewhisked away into the sky. When it landed, she found herself in the magical place of Munchkinland. She learnt her househad landed on the Wicked Witch of the East. The beautifulGlinda, the good witch of the North (Megan Gosnell)appeared, and told her to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, where the Wizard of Oz (David Callaghan)might be able to help her find her way home. Meanwhile, the Wicked Witch of the West arrived, furious about her sister and even angrier that Glinda had placed ruby slippers on Dorothy’s feet. As Dorothy continued to go down the Yellow Brick Road, she made new friends that joined her on her journey to the Wizard; the Scarecrow (Daniel Haddon), who wished he had a brain, Tin Man (Simon McGee) who longedfor a heart and Cowardly Lion (Graig Griffiths) who wantedcourage. When they arrived at Emerald City, the Wizard’s guard (Thomas Knapper) told them he would only see them if they brought him the witch’s broomstick. So, they went into the witch’s territory and entered her castle, but, she captured Dorothy and locked her up in the castle. Dorothy’s friends sneaked into the castle to rescue Dorothy. On successfulrelease from her imprisonment, saved by her new friends,Dorothy grabbed a bucket of water and threw it to put out a fire. It landed on the witch, and she melted into nothing as a result. When they raced back to the wizard with the broom,expecting him to grant their wishes, they realised he wasn’t the powerful wizard they thought he was. He said what they had been searching for was inside them all along. The scarecrow had a brain, the Tinman had a heart and the lion was courageous.  The Wizard planned to give Dorothy a lift home in his balloon but just as they were about to leave, Toto ran off. When Dorothy despaired that she would never return home, Glinda told her she had always had the power to go home. All she had to do was click her heels together and say, 

‘There’s no place like home.’

Dorothy woke up in her own bed in Kansas.

Abbie Selleck was well suited to the role of Dorothy, amazingly confident and dynamic in character. Herperformance of, ’Somewhere over the rainbow,’ was captivating. The puppeteer that worked Toto was operated byAbbie Wild, with lots of tail wagging and what seemed like ‘doggy’ expressions. The whimsical character of the Scarecrow was superbly played by Daniel Haddon. When we first meet his very animated character in the scene with the crows, the musical number with Dorothy was a delight. Iloved too, the Tin man characterised by Simon McGee. The way their physicality was performed made them appear they really were made of straw and metal respectively. Craig Griffiths completed the trio of friends as the Cowardly lion,also bringing humour and energy to the show. All three brought collective charm and individual charm to their roles. Nikki Rai projected her role as the Wicked Witch with conviction; her voice and movement on stage brought nuance to the role. In contrast, Megan Gosnell was dazzling in appearance and enchanting in her soft delivery as Glinda. David Callaghan was a convincing Wizard of Oz and Thomas Knapper as the Emerald City Guard suited his part. Acknowledgment is also due to Kelly Ashman and Tina Stephenson in their roles as Aunt Em, as well as to Jim Steventon who portrayed Uncle Henry, for their significant contributions to the overall narrative.

The Wizard of Oz was filled with activity, including ensemble singing and dancing performances from the chorus and the teams of children who portrayed the enchanting and charming Munchkins.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew and to Rob Murray as musical director, and to Alf Rai, the director. This productionfeatured lively music, visuals with vibrant colours, and overall enjoyable entertainment. Thank you for inviting me

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