Review
RECOMMENDED
The Wizard of Oz
book by L.Frank Baum
music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
directed and choreographed by Shauna Markey
Musical Theatre West@
The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach
through July 27

We’ve seen and heard sweet Dorothy’s prayer to return to Kansas “There’s no place like home” so many times over that it’s become a staple in the memory register of most faithful filmgoers. What more is there to say about The Wizard of Oz than it is our favorite childhood movie and will stay a part of us forever and ever. So will Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, the Wizard, Aunt Em, and yes, The Wicked Witch of the West. Every child or gay man living relishes that witch and every mean breath she takes. When the show’s on stage - no, this is not Wicked, but the original upon which Stephen Schwartz’ megahit is based - we cannot wait to see it with childish glee and excitement. Musical Theatre West’s current stage production is abundantly colorful and a candy-coated treat for the senses.

With a young Judy Garland etched in everybody’s memory as Dorothy, it takes an extra special performer to come even close. Deidre Haren is up to the challenge. She is vibrant with innocence and sincerity and possesses a lovely singing voice to match. John Bisom makes a perfect Scarecrow/Hunk. It is sheer visual delight to watch this man fall and pick himself up, limb by limb. He is such an agile and athletic dancer. Todd Nielsen is equally good as Tin Man/Hickory: nimble, poker paced and full of the devil. John Massey completes the fine trio as Cowardly Lion/Zeke: light on his feet and providing plenty of good old fashioned belly laughs. Teri Bibb is glorious as Glinda/Aunt Em with the exact vocal inflections of the young, adorable Billie Burke, who originated the film role of Glinda. Nils Anderson, A.J. Sullivan and Natalie Nucci complete the excellent human members of the cast, but it would be unfair not to mention Impy as Toto. This little dog is not only cute and well trained (by A.J. Sullivan), but savors every moment onstage. What a pro!

Costumes by Yolanda Rowell are radiant (especially the multi-colors in Munchkin Land and the dark greens in the initial opening number in Oz) and the flying effects by ZFX work ever so smoothly.

Markey’s choreography crackles (The Jitterbug is dynomite!!), her direction has just the right pace, and the overall production, with its 105 backstage crew members, making it all fit into place: delectably up and entertaining for the youngster in all of us.

For the kiddies who only know Dorothy and Toto from Elphaba’s stressed-out complaints in Wicked, good God, it’s time for them to see the original. So, go; in fact, fly to get tickets through July 27 only!

4 out of 5 stars