Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ Delights Audiences of all Ages at Edmonton's Citadel Theatre

Since its 1939 film release, The Wizard of Oz has enchanted audiences of all ages. Now, the whimsical adventures of Kansas farm girl Dorothy Gale come to life onstage in the Citadel Theatre’s colourful new production. 

The performance begins with a familiar, nostalgic sight: a backdrop of sepia-toned clouds lights up a vast screen. The names of the cast and crew appear while a gorgeous instrumental rendition of Over the Rainbow fills the theatre. Soon, the screen disappears, revealing the dusty farm where preteen Dorothy (Chariz Faulmino) lives with her loving but preoccupied Uncle Henry and Aunt Em (Tom Edwards and Nadien Chu). After an attempt to run away, Dorothy is swept up by a tornado and dropped into the fantastical land of Oz. To get back home, she must follow the yellow brick road, enter the Emerald City, and ask the enigmatic Wizard of Oz for help. Though she effortlessly makes new friends, Dorothy also quickly makes an enemy: the infamous, green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West (Nadine Whiteman). 

Presenting a classic is no easy feat; the Citadel’s depiction of the merry old land of Oz is a faithful tribute to the film version and features some playful surprises. Most notably, Dorothy is welcomed to Oz by a crowd of adoring Munchkins dressed in vibrant purple, orange, and blue costumes that wouldn’t be out of place in a circus. Portrayed by the uber-talented youth ensemble, the Munchkins belt out Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead while dancing and cartwheeling around the wide-eyed Dorothy. The Munchkins aren’t the only ones with fabulous apparel; Deanna Finnman’s costume designs include Glinda the Good’s (Nadien Chu’s) shimmering, cupcake-like pink ball gown and the Wicked Witch of the West’s fabulous black pantsuit. 

Stepping into Dorothy’s iconic Ruby Slippers is Chariz Faulmino. Portraying a character synonymous with the legendary Judy Garland is daunting, but Faulmino makes Dorothy all her own. She charms the audience with her wistful rendition of Over the Rainbow and brings some extra spunk to the brave character. Dorothy also shares an effortless chemistry with her entertaining new travel companions - Scarecrow (Luc Tellier), Tinman (Hal Wesley Rogers), and the Cowardly Lion (Alexander Ariate). They are joined by her little dog, Toto (played by Yorkshire Terrier, Scooby), who either snuggles up in her arms or peers up adorably from Dorothy's basket. It would also be remiss not to mention Nadine Whiteman’s delightfully campy portrayal of the Wicked Witch and John Ullyatt’s kooky portrayal of the green-suited Wizard. 

Until April 12, both the young and young-at-heart are invited to experience this classic adventure at the Citadel’s Shoctor Theatre.