Little did Frank Baum realize in 1900 when he wrote the book, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, that he was creating a cottage industry. "Chachkas" such as snow globes, stuffed Toto dogs and figurines of the characters dot many a household. Clothing, including red crystal shoes, checkered gingham "Dorothy" dresses and Halloween costumes galore, relate aspects of the tale.
Quotations from the dialogue have become American language staples including "We aren't in Kansas anymore," "Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable," "If we walk far enough we shall sometime come to someplace," "True courage is facing danger when you are afraid," and, of course, "Close your eyes and tap your heels together three times, and think to yourself, there's no place like home." The success of the first book and the film inspired Baum to write thirteen Oz sequels. In spite of favorable reviews, the 1939 film of the story was a box office disappointment. It soon, however, developed a cult following and appears continually on the "best movies list," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," which won the Oscar for best song, ranks as one of the favorite tunes of all time. The gay community so closely identifies with the musical that group meetings, such as on-board cruise ships, are identified as being "friends of Dorothy."Other new songs include, "Red Shoes Blues" and "Farewell to Oz."
The touring production has all the elements of a top class production. The acting, the orchestrations, the singing and the staging are all excellent.Jon Driscoll's video/projection designs are enthralling. The cyclone, the movements of the clouds, the appearance of the Wizard all take on a life of their own. Hugh Vanstone's lighting effects and Mick Potter's sound design help create reality and excitement. Arlene Phillips' choreography and Jeremy Sams' focused and creative direction, make the production special. The cast, most of whom are touring production novices with little or no Broadway experience, is outstanding. Their acting, singing and dancing are too-notch. This is not a second-rate group of performers.Sarah Lasko gives her own interpretation to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." No Judy Garland imitation here. She is charming and convincing as Dorothy. Morgan Reynolds moves with scarecrow limberness and has a fine singing voice. Jay McGill has a nice swagger and creates a macho Tin Man. Aaron Fried is adorable as the cowardly Lion. A little girl sitting behind me commented after the Wicked Witch of the West's threatening of Dorothy scene, "She isn't very scary." Yes, Shani Hadjian could have been a little more menacing. Speaking of menacing is the production okay for young children? A quick survey of about ten pre-tweens resulted in a thumbs up for both the production and the "I wasn't afraid" factor. One little girl, dressed as Dorothy, complete with blue gingham dress and red sparkling shoes, squealed, "I loved it." She then turned to her father and pleaded, "Can we come back again and again?"CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: Yes, Dorothy, I'd love to come back again and again to see you and the rest of the cast of THE WIZARD OF OZ. This was a very special production that showed the value of new electronic media techniques used to their highest level of creativity to help reinvent a well-loved story. Yes, the show takes us "Over the Rainbow," and is filled with "Wonders of the World," as we "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" through "The Merry Old Land of Oz," and come to appreciate that there is no place like home. Too bad the show only stays here for a very short run. Go! Enjoy! Tickets for THE WIZARD OF OZ, which runs through December 6, at the State Theatre, can be ordered by calling 216-241-6000 or going to www.playhousesquare.org.
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