The Wizard of Oz

Before we get to the show itself, I want to mention the set as this was a big factor of this great show. The stage had been painted bright green and once the home was removed exposed the yellow brick road running thought it. The storm scene was realistic and the cast really went with it. It looked amazing and certainly set the scene perfectly. The slick set changes transforming scene to scene were seamless. I especially liked the set change from the Witches castle back to the Wizards image, well done stage crew! I loved the caldron; it was so effective. The set design was perfect and worked so well. The rainbow lighting throughout was brilliant and created the perfect ambiance for the production. It’s the little touches that makes a huge difference to a good show and this combination certainly did just that.

This was my first visit to a Ludwig Youth production and I wasn’t disappointed. The vitality of the cast was apparent from the opening number of the ensemble, however Katie-Ella as Dorothy sang ‘Over the Rainbow’ beautifully, and was a good indication of what was to come. Katie- Ella maintained an impressive American accent throughout, never wavering, and was a perfect Dorothy. She was convincing, confident and talented.

Megan’s acting debut as Glinda is a first of many performances, I hope. What a fabulous first role to play and she did it very well but I think the next one will see her confidence grow and then watch out! The ensembles rendition of ‘Ding Dong the Witch is Dead’ was enhanced by the wonderful harmonies and great choreography, and the absolute cuteness of the munchkins. I have to make a special mention of Faith who has a stand-out stage presence and drew my eye whenever she was on stage.  

Enter the remarkable young man Owen who played Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch. What an achievement!  I was pleased with the faithfulness to the original production of the Wizard of Oz but to actually have Owen as the Witch was a master stroke. He was brilliant. He really was like a whirlwind every time he set foot on the stage. I soon forgot about Owen and could only see the Witch, he had the characterisation off to a tee, I loved his cackle…

The Scarecrow (Jack) The Tin Man (Leo) and The Lion (Tom) were delightful individually but the perfect balance as a threesome. They could sing, dance and act; what a talented bunch. Jack’s tumble/ summersault was perfectly timed and executed. Leo’s tap dance was a lovely surprise and Tom’s characterisation of the Lion was adorable. The three puppeteers, Yasin, Freddie and Harriet did a great job with the crows and the choreography for the ‘If I only had a …..’ was meticulous. Talking about brilliant choreography, the jitterbug was outstanding. Everyone, without exception, threw themselves into the number and it was a triumph.

Freddie as Uncle Henry and Tia as Aunt Em, whilst not the biggest parts played them very well and Tia has a beautiful voice. The short duet she sang with Katie-Ella near the end of the show, brought a tear to my eye, it was so moving. Kristyian also had the smaller role of the Wizard but made his presence known and also did a good job. The spotlight on Katie-Ella when she clicked her heals to take her home was a wonderful effect and well done Katie-Ella for finding it perfectly. The tableau setting for the finale was beautiful.

I’ve left the best till last and that is Darcie who did an incredible job as the puppeteer for Toto the dog. Wow, what an accomplishment! The animation from the puppet was so realistic. The way that Toto’s tail wagged, and the head turning was a constant whenever they were on the stage and Darcie sang too and at the same time, amazing. Well done Darcie and congratulations Ludwig Theatre Arts on producing a fabulous show. I look forward to seeing the next one.

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