Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at the Fox

When I asked my son what part of The Wizard of Oz he liked the best he said: "All of it." So, I pressed him a little further, and asked who his favorite character was, and he said: "The Wicked Witch." I can only say that I wasn't surprised by his answers, but I was surprised by his stamina, as he sat riveted by the action taking place on stage for 2 and 1/2 hours. The touring company at the Fox Theatre this weekend (November 26-28) has conjured up a solid and engaging effort that's greatly enhanced by some memorable special effects wizardry that's particularly effective during the twister sequence.

By now almost everyone is familiar with the plot that follows Dorothy and little dog Toto as their house takes a treacherous trip in a twister, only to touch down in the magical land of Oz. Dorothy's crash landing accidentally squashes the Wicked Witch of the East, drawing the ire of the Wicked Witch of the West. But, when she dons the dead witch's ruby slippers, she finds herself in even more trouble, since these were coveted by the Wicked Witch of the West, and can only be removed upon the wearer's death. On the advice of the munchkins, Dorothy journeys down the yellow brick road, seeking out the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City to see if he can help her get back home, while managing to meet up with the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. Together they defeat the Wicked Witch, and Dorothy returns to Kansas, a bit wiser for her travels.

Katherine Bristol is a perfect fit as Dorothy, and she handles the signature tune, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with considerable warmth and aplomb. She's aided in her quest by: Andrew Haserlat, neatly limber-legged as the brain-seeking Scarecrow; Jesse Coleman, irresistibly cuddly as the Cowardly Lion; and Beau Hutchings as the missing-hearted Tinman. Of course, canine performer Dusty (or Loki at some performances) steals every scene she's in as an irrepressibly cute Toto. Pat Sibley is deliciously villainous as the Wicked Witch/Almyra Gultch, and seems to be having a blast in the part.

Robert John Biedermann delivers a nice turn as both Professor Marvel and the Wizard, and Sarah Amanda shimmers as Glinda, the good witch, while also displaying the proper bearing of a concerned mother figure in her other role as Aunt Em. Ryan Wagner is also good as both Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Guard. A bevy of talented supporting players, that includes some of the Muny Kids, does wonderful work in their various disguises as Winkies, Munchkins, Poppies, Crows, Trees, Oz townsfolk, and Jitterbugs.

Director Nigel West keeps the action moving along nicely, and all the key players and elements are in place, along with some that never made it into the original 1939 motion picture. He's aided in his efforts by the lively choreography of Leigh Constantine and the splendid music direction of Nathaniel Brown. The special effects by J&M Special Effects, along with the wire work of Flying by Foy, and Paul Miller's lighting design, combine to achieve some stunning results.

The Wizard of Oz plays at the Fox Theatre November 26-28, 2010.