The Wizard of Oz

USER (09Dec03): THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baum Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Monday 8 December 2003 The ‘Wizard of Oz’ has to be one of the most loved and everlasting stories that has delighted both children and adults for over 100 years. Most famously, the MGM film musical starring Judy Garland is still one of the most popular films of all time. Who can ever forget Dorothy, The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion not to mention the Wicked Witch of the West? The musical score by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg were an instant hit and numbers like ‘Jitterbug’ identify its origins, the late 1930s. The story by L. Frank Baum is still as sharp as the day it was written and many of its gentle digs at the establishment are still as valid. Under the expert direction of Rachel Kavanaugh, the inventive and most stylistic design of Peter McKintosh the capacity audience were treated to an evening of pure magic. The principals, Suzanne Toase who as Dorothy is quite enchanting and gives a heartfelt performance of ‘Over the Rainbow’ was outstanding, Michael Cahill as Scarecrow, Robert Hands as Tin Man, Jamie Beamish as Lion all in fantastic costumes each make the most of their character parts and play the audience expertly, Catherine Breeze as Wicked Witch of the West is genuinely frightening and the clever use of colour adds to the atmosphere, Fiona Dunn as The Good Witch of the North is very much the Fairy Godmother of the production, John Conroy as The Wizard a kindly old man really and Gerard Carey as Nikko the Monkey, again superb costume, all deserve great praise for their characterisation. The whole production worked so well, the dancers, the Munchkins and Snowflakes who were played by the Ruby Team at this performance and of course Toto played by 3-year-old Border terrier Leo got just the right reaction from the audience. The orchestra under the direction of Stephen Ridley created a whole range of wonderful sounds and the musical numbers had the benefit of fresh arrangements by Steven Edis that brought the classic Arlen and Harburg score to life once more. And finally, this is a show for all the family with a great story, spectacular sets, high wire flying, wonderful music, fantasy, good and wicked characters and lots of fun. It’s simple don’t miss it! The production continues until Saturday 24 January 2004. Clive Fuller