Wizard of Oz

“St Pauls Players” Adlington presented us with one of the classic film and stage musicals of all time “The Wizard of Oz” (RSC) version, written by Frank Baum with music and lyrics from the MGM Motion Picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Young with incidental music by Herbert Stothart. Directed by the talented Jane Harrison the cast were very enthusiastic, and worked very hard to give the audience an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The audience were treated to some good performances in this show, also because of the storyline most of the cast had the added responsibility of playing dual roles, they included a very nice confident portrayal by Kira Brookfield in the central role of the orphan girl Dorothy Gale and Kim Brookfield who gave us a sympathetic kindly characterisation of Aunt Em as well as the Good Witch of the North Glinda. Kathy Turton was excellent as Almira Gultch and the cackling Wicked Witch of the West, and there were enjoyable characterisations from Jamie Flavell as Hunk and Scarecrow, Alan Levesley as Hickory and Tin Woodsman with Dax Owen as Zeke who also made a superb Cowardly Lion. The above principal characters were also very well supported by the actors cast in the smaller and cameo roles, however one of the stars of the show had to be the dog Ben as Toto who looked very much at home on the stage and appeared to have a great rapport with his fellow actors, he was a big hit with the audience. The young chorus and dancers performed with boundless energy and enthusiasm executing the choreography by Lorraine Sullivan very well, also all the Munchkin soloist sang very well indeed. Generally diction was clear even from the actors without microphones and the story could be followed easily although I did find the action a little slow at the beginning, however this could be due to the way the show is written rather than the production. The set was excellent and innovative making a very good platform for the actors to work on so congratulations must go to the stage crew, props, set builders and painters as well as sound and lighting. Costumes were very colourful, just right for the show and they also enhanced the production. The orchestra led by Musical Director Paul Stanley was excellent supporting the cast at all times at just the right level.

Well done to Jane Harrison and to all involved in bringing this show to the stage, the audience thoroughly enjoyed their evening out. Thank you for inviting me I hope to see you again soon.
 

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