The Wizard of Oz

~~This all time popular classic is so well known that it is almost guaranteed to please an audience and this production certainly did. Young Carla Allan (Dorothy) gave a very assured, natural performance and was totally at ease in her role. Rarely off the stage she interpreted her dialogue meaningfully and sang very sweetly. I have to admire too the way she handled the loveable Toto who at times almost stole the show. Arriving in Munchkinland she was greeted firstly by a very serene and sparkling Glenda (Claire Riddoch) before being introduced to an enthusiastic group of very young and slightly more mature Munchkins who looked splendid in their most colourful costumes and gave her a warm welcome in the lively Munchkin musical sequence before sending her on her way along the Yellow Brick Road. Of course along the way Dorothy meets the gangly Scarecrow well played by Ali MacDougall,the Tin Man (Mark Becher) and Lion, a gem of a part played by Justin Skelton who extracted all the comedy from the role with very good timing. These four main characters interacted very well bringing the story to life. In contrast to the lovely Glenda, Kim Riddoch Nicoll was a powerful, scary Wicked Witch and very much the ‘baddie’ of the piece receiving the odd ‘boo’ from the audience. The supporting characters Aunt Em (Joyce Crawford), Uncle Henry (Greg Holstead). Miss Gultch (Kit Millar),The Wizard (Bob Crawford) and the Guard (Graeme Aitken) all contributed well to the production. I feel I have to mention the Winkie General (Cathie McAlpine) who put heart and soul into her tiny cameo role keeping the Winkies in step!

This was a very bright show with colourful costumes and eye catching sets. A very competent orchestra supported the singers well.

It is so encouraging to see so many youngsters having such fun and showing such enthusiasm alongside the adults who also appeared to be enjoying themselves. A lovely production which was very well received by the audience. Well done!
 

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