The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition

These youngsters showed themselves to advantage in this well known show of young girl Dorothy caught up in a tornado and ending up in the Emerald City. In the leading role of Dorothy, Grace Rocks carried herself with confidence throughout. She had a lovely clear voice, singing Over The Rainbow with ease and clear diction. She engaged the audience’s sympathy at once - just as Miss Gulch repelled with Eliza Trussler catching her bullying and aggressive manner. It was good to see Toto metamorphosed from toy to a live dog/character played by David Gregory giving some well timed squeaks and comic reactions. This story about friendship saw the three companions of Dorothy gel well on their journey to Oz. Katie Henderson personified the Scarecrow – and who could not help but pity her when she was threatened with fire and had her legs pulled off. Likewise Erin Mackintosh got into the character of the Tin Man gaining sympathy as he yearned for a heart and Amelie Koechlin tugged our heart strings as the engaging Lion who had lost his roar. All three sang their introductory songs about themselves truly and with feeling. Rose Taylor rose to the occasion as The Wicked Witch with clearly articulated and venomously delivered lines. In contrast Glinda was portrayed by Christie Munro as sympathetic and helpful to Dorothy - but no less strong in combatting evil - and as a purveyor of good. The Wizard of Oz is always a slippery person and Siobhan Lydon did well to give him a bossiness as well as a vulnerability underneath. The rest of the named cast supported by playing and singing their parts convincingly, and in the Mayor’s role, Eva Boyle made her mark. All the youngsters sang and projected well whether as The Lullaby League, The Lollipop Guild, or The Jitterbugs and The Apple Trees, The Winged Monkeys and The Crows all inhabited their parts. On this restricted stage choreography was simple and effective. Costumes were colourful and apt and I particularly liked the Monkey faces. The scenery was minimal and was moved without fuss, creating each scene but allowing the young cast to make the story the important thing. The technicalities and sound were all handled unobtrusively. The cast revealed their talents and love of performing. All involved are to be congratulated on this entertaining and engaging performance.

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