Alan Portner

Ann Morrison as Kimberly brings warmth, vulnerability, and an understated poignancy that anchors the evening. Her performance never asks for sympathy; it earns it quietly. Ann brings with her a Broadway resume that includes Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Love Musik,” and “Children and Art” plus several shows on London’s West End.

As Juliet, Fabiola Caraballo Quijada anchors the production with a charismatic blend of humor, emotional openness, and commanding vocals. Her Act I finale is a particular high point, earning a well-deserved ovation.

What I saw in THE WIZ was an incredibly tight, professional, and slick rendering of the L. Frank Baum tale with an all African American cast. The use of dance with an unusually large ensemble very much added to the continuity of the show. Each of the singing leads was excellent.

This is a super production of a perhaps slightly flawed show. Starring are an excellent Max Chernin as Leo Frank and an as good Talia Suskauer as Lucille Frank. Chernin comes direct from working as Ben Platt’s understudy in the Broadway production. Suskauer was last seen as Elphaba in the Broadway company of “Wicked.” Both are tremendous performers. Chernin is easily one of the best male stage voices I’ve heard in many years.

Tuesday night’s performance starred Leah Platt in the lead role of Fanny Brice. Leah has a gangbuster voice fully displayed as she plows through an excellent score with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.

This is a super cast. In this cast we actually have three Michael Jacksons. Banks is the adult Michael. Brandon Lee Harris is a teen/young adult Michael. Michael as a child is played by either Josiah Benson or Bane Griffith. All are excellent. The documentarian Rachel is played by Mary Kater Moore. The rest of the cast plays multiple parts. Outstanding recognition must go to the ensemble of this show. The dancers are incredible. MJ is not an easy show. These folks are in for a super work-out each night.

The 25th Anniversary Tour opened in Denver on October 31, 2023, and still retains the cast excitement and energy that is essential for this kind of show. Everybody in this company is excellent.

Your personal musical and theatrical tastes will decide whether or not you like “Girl from the North Country. It got very good reviews in London, on Broadway and on its various international tours.