The Wizard of Oz

This was not the version I had seen before; but this one, from Musicscope & Stage Musicals Ltd, seemed very appropriate for the wide range of ages at DOSYTCo and offered extra for the younger element as well as giving the older ones all the traditional roles in a huge cast.

            Nice set from Scenic (mood effective but not too much with all those children), sound and lighting from ETS efficient and effective, all those myriad costumes in kaleidoscopic colours brilliant for the piece (Michelle Blanks), the makeup (particularly the prosthetics for tin man and witch) very good (Sophie Blanks), and those excellent programme photos during the rehearsal period from Helen Bailey really captured the creation and enjoyment of the piece. 

Musical Direction from David Blake and Adam Knight was in tune, in time and well- rehearsed, and Jodie Quirke’s choreography was imaginative, lively and supported by Dance Captains Maisie Dolman and Sophie Chapman.  In charge with true dynamism and control, full of great ideas and inspiring the youngsters, Anna Lawrence once more brought her talents to the Dereham stage and produced a show of delight and nostalgia and energy from beginning to end.

            This was a large cast with a huge proportion in the younger age groups, so the Munchkins and the Soldiers were big in numbers and energy and strong in song and dance: Anna interestingly succeeded in making each child develop a face and character and voice so no ‘job-lot’ mass, and how they enjoyed themselves!   ‘The Wicked Witch is Dead’ was a great hit as was the ‘soldier routine’ in Act 2 (great fun): those ‘3 Tough Kids’ (Jesse Darkins, Luke Smart, Thomas Wilson Gotobed) showed that small boys can steal a show when they know all the songs and moves (Jesse Darkins at age 7 certainly took front stage as smallest soldier).   Good opportunities amongst the Munchkins for cameo character roles for the action: Mayor, Barrister, Coroner, General and Lord Growlie (Adam Jones, Louis Miller who also doubled Wizard, Frankie Mazzei, Joseph Chapman, William Rodwell) all very clear diction, Lullaby Girls (Gabrielle Barrell, Maddie Booth, Lauren Matwij) and Gloria’s Girls (Elysha Blake, Keziah Blake, Jasmine Brown, Clarabelle Whitehead) all in good voice and full of harmony.   And the dancers were very energetic and in sync especially in ‘Dance Macabre’.   All those in the ‘backing’ block show great potential for the future of the group and the experience of being in the show will help them to gain confidence.

On to the higher age range: small roles Aunt Em (Jasmine Tanner) and Uncle Henry (Reece King) came over well in their characters; vocals and poise from Gloria (Sophie Chapman) in her number.  To the Witches: voice and harmonies, poise, dance (on points), and style, as Good Witch, Maisie Dolman was a delight in her glamorous pink dress and all that could be desired from the role.   Her opponent and very wicked in voice, style and acting ability as the Wicked Witch, Jess Biggam was a character to instill dread and fear in all the Munchkins and there were cheers when she got her ‘come-uppance’, green faced good characterisation.

            And to the friends found on the journey: each gave a well developed characterisation in keeping with the story line, well cast personalities bringing out the best: Josiah Blake as Scarecrow being the first friend and who needed a brain but seemed very much with it in his ideas, loved the smile, the wobbly walk and elastic legs, great support for Dorothy.   As Tinman, Harrison Matwij had the pathetic feel and yet again personality and strength, singing and acting all to a high standard (he has been overlooked in past with an older brother of talent, but he is now coming into his own), so pleased that he won in the end.  And as cowardly Lion, Reece King had the plum role with his mood changes of fear and courage and boasting and temerity, great movement with his lashing tail, good personality, acting and vocals.   A good team effort, these three certainly realising a chance for the older, more demanding roles with style.

Finally to the star of the show: as Dorothy, Emily Baker really blossomed into something very special: looks, style, great acting ability and understanding in the role and interaction with all those on stage and in contact with her.   Movement and dance were good, and above all, a pure and definitely in middle of each note, voice perfect for the role in strong vocals for this familiar score with great expectations, her performance was gold for the end of the rainbow, and the treasure discovered on stage, a delight throughout.

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