Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at Centrestage Theatre Company Orewa

Centrestage Theatre's The Wizard of Oz overflows with heart, brains and courage. The opening night audience was taken on a mesmerising trip over the rainbow and back down memory lane.

The much-loved characters of yesteryear are brought to life in this resplendent production that more than pays homage to the 1939 movie version of this show.

Director Michael Sanders and his team have created a magnificent production igniting the same feelings of wonder and joy that the movie version brought to the screen whilst maximising the full advantage of the medium of live theatre.

Sanders has successfully identified the special moments of the script and magnified them through the culmination of a carefully crafted set design, special effects and excellent casting.

The music and singing are sensational. Accolades to Musical Director Leon Reynolds and vocal coach Annelie Maddock (who also plays good witch Glinda). The Choreography (Anna Mortlock/ Michael Sanders) befits the show highlighting the special moments with quirky originality.

The cast is a collective of star-studded quality.

Rebecca Grut as Dorothy took us on a journey over the rainbow and into the clouds; painting the perfect picture and easily convincing the audience that dreams really can come true. She has a voice that could turn trouble into lemon drops and was totally the quintessential Dorothy. Add to her role the responsibility of Toto (Libby Lowans) who was on best behaviour but handled beautifully by Grut.

Lynda Hart has written her name all over the characters of Amira Gultch/Wicked Witch and she's fabulous; sassy, nasty and totally enthralling.

Maxwell Hutton (playing a delightful Scarecrow), Kaelin Wade (Tinman - his moves are a highlight!) and Carlin Diprose (Lion) have encapsulated the time honoured and much-loved characters to a 'tee' with Diprose's Lion so convincing that I thought I was experiencing a time-warp. There's a successful synergy between the three of them and Grut.

The remaining characters and ensemble all come together to contribute to this great show. Special mention to one of the 3 monkeys, Carly Fear, who certainly stole the audience hearts on Opening Night. She was great within the great.

Production Manager Debbie Hogan has had a big job in coordinating all departments but she has brought them together creating the delicate fluidity required to make the magic happen.
The Costume (Elizabeth Lowans), Lighting (Isaac Kirkwood), Set (Craig Hogan) and Props (Debbie Hogan, Karen Reynolds) Designers and their teams have all come up trumps.

The Wizard Of Oz
October 27th - November 17th
Centrestage Theatre
Orewa
Bookings: https://nz.patronbase.com/_CentreStage/Productions/WZ18/Performances

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Revival of a Musical - Top 3

1. Ragtime

38.9% of votes

2. CATS: The Jellicle Ball

22.3% of votes

3. Chess

21.5% of votes

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