BWW Reviews: THE WIZARD OF OZ: Finding Magic Beyond The Rainbow

Toby's Dinner Theatre has a long history of presenting high quality productions. However, could they pull off the technicolor vision of The Wizard Of Oz that most people see in their mind's eye? Happily for the audience, answer is yes.

Toby's creative team has designed a colorful and vibrant production featuring terrific sets, amazing costumes and some first rate performances.  As always, the score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg is delightful as is the book, John Kane's adaptation of L. Frank Baum's novel.

The movie based on Baum's novel is known to most people and David A. Hopkins' set design captures the spirit of the Judy Garland classic. He uses almost every part of that space, including the walls above the audience.

Samn Huffer is pulling double duty by working both on and off the stage. He is Uncle Henry onstage but he really shines as the production's costume designer. The costumes are simply wonderful. Designed using the spirit of the movie, those who know The Wizard Of Oz well will recognize Glinda's unusually tall crown and the Dorothy's iconic checked dress.

David James also has a dual role in this production. Not only does he deliver a marvelous performance as the Scarecrow, but he also skillfully directs the talented cast. The cast is headed by Julia Lancione as Dorothy. Ms. Lancione has an excellent voice and she does an exceptional job with "Over the Rainbow." David Gregory as the Tinman and David Bosley-Reynolds as the Cowardly Lion are just as strong. There is only one weak link and it is an important one. Tina DeSimone as Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West gave an uneven performance. At times, she was menacing but more often than not, she seemed like a watered down version of the Wicked Witch. That may be a good thing for young audience members who might get frightened but it doesn't work so well as an acting choice.

Still, the production is a lot of fun. Everyone is working really hard and it shows. The choreography by Paula Lynn is exuberant. The entire cast handles the dancing well and they all look like they are having the time of their lives. The energy they project is infectious.

Some may feel that The Wizard Of Oz may be played out. There have been many productions of the original story and a number of variations including the Broadway hit, Wicked. There is a reason for this. The story is magical and this production captures all that magic. Audiences can visit Dorothy and her friends in that land over the rainbow through July 1st at the Columbia location of Toby's Dinner Theatre.

Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, MD 

Theater and ticket information may be found at www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or by calling 410-730-8311

Photo Credit: Kristine Christianson