The Wizard of Oz

It was a pleasure to visit this company for the first time especially as it was the first time in eight years that they had performed a large scale musical. 

They had chosen The wizard of Oz for their return, this musical is based on the classic motion Picture  and I am sure that the show itself needs no introduction.

On entering the auditorium I was really impressed by the design of the Yellow Brick Road which encompassed  the live orchestra, well controlled by MD Helen Roberts.

The company used basic settings designed by Michelle Thomas and apart from a few mishaps on the opening night these worked well.

Dorothy was played by Megan Parsons on the evening I saw the show and I was really impressed by this performance. Megan commanded the stage in what is a large role and performed her vocal numbers well, congratulations on a really strong performance. I know that she was sharing the role with Katie-Ella Duke and it was lovely to meet Katie in the foyer and see how supportive she along with Nancy Regulski who was the alternate Zeke/Lion were to the production. Well done girls.

Megan was supported in this performance by Rob Hayes as Hunk/Scarecrow, Conor Hufton as Hickory/ Tinman and Beth Wisden as Zeke /Lion. All these actors supported Megan really well with credible performances.

Miss Gulch/ Wicked Witch was played by Amy Regulski and the response she had from the audience showed the quality of her performance. Even the cheers at her demise at the hands of Dorothy were well intentioned, well done.

Catherin Rushton played Aunt Em/ Glinda with a lovely caring persona , her support for Dorothy was plain to see.

They were well supported by Geraint Barnes as The Wizard/ Professor Marvel, Lucas Tamcken as Uncle Henry and Kay Statton as The Guard.

The ensemble shared the role of munchkins, crows, trees, winkies and ozians.

I think special mention must also be made to the students from the Janet StephensTheatre Dance who certainly added to the production with some lovely choreographed routines , I especially liked the poppies number well done to you all.

Thank you Blackwood Musical Theatre Society for your lovely welcome and best wishes for the future.

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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