by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Do you believe that magic lightning can strike twice in the same place? In 200l, the Alhambra Dinner Theatre presented L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. It was artistically the best play of the year, and the record attendance for the show bears this out.
As I walked into the opening performance of this classic musical last weekend, I wondered if Director Tod Booth could once again wave his magic casting wand and match his 2001 triumph. I am pleased to announce that he did it, he did it, he did it.
The wonderful characters in Oz once again mesmerized the adults and the many children at the gala night.
It is here that I usually give a plot summary, but do I need to for a story that has been around in a book, a movie and a play for so many years?
Just to refresh your memory, it is the story of Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl that is whisked away by a tornado to a colorful world over the rainbow. On her trip she makes friends with the brainless Scarecrow (D. Garrett Smith), the heartless Tin Man (Ken Sandberg) and the Cowardly Lion (Jason Goodson) as they go down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard (Tony Triano).
Along the way, they are assisted by the Good Witch (Candace Cooke) and harassed and hounded by the Wicked Witch (Evelyn Gaynor).
Anna Lynn Ellenburg, Amanda Harris and William Leonard are the featured young adults who appear in all of the performances and play multiple roles, including the citizens of Oz.
Rounding out the adult cast is Kenneth Uibel as Uncle Henry and the wizard’s guard and Alexia Adock as Jitterbug, a strange dancing bug.
Booth cast ten local children and they are some of the hardest working actors in the show, playing munchkins, flying monkeys, trees and other assorted creatures. You will only see five of them in any particular show because they work so hard they need every other day off. They are truly marvelous, well-disciplined singing and dancing stars of the future. One of them probably lives in your neighborhood: Lillie Brody, Montana Dalton, Jackie Jones, Connor McClure, Logan Needle, Alyssa Pellum, Erol Pierce, Allen Scarlett, Rae Anne Wesley and Jordan Whitford.
The success of The Wizard of Oz rises and falls on the character Dorothy. Kirsten Carmody is a casting director’s dream in this role and Kirsten is just the right height. She’s cute as a button and sings like an angel. When she sings the award-winning ‘Over the Rainbow,’ your heart will flutter.
An unaccredited performer in the program, but a crowd favorite, is Dorothy’s dog, Toto. He gets passed around more than a church collection plate, but still maintains his sunny disposition and wagging tail. If Ms. Kirsten does not make it in show business, she has a future as a dog handler.
Costumer Kurt McCall has dressed the large cast in a visual feast of every color of the rainbow, with lots and lots of outfits to enjoy, especially for the children
Yes, there is a yellow brick road and the Land of Oz as well on stage, thanks to David Dionne’s design and his shop team.
Be careful, if you pay too much attention to the songs like ‘Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead,’ ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road,’ and ‘We Are off to See the Wizard,’ you will find yourself humming them for several days at the oddest times.
School is out and it is time to treat your kids or grandkids to a show that is filled with life lessons. Did you know that only bad witches are ugly?
As I once again recall the 2001 version, I remember writing that adults seem to enjoy this musical as much as children, since it has timeless humor and brings out the kid in all of us, regardless of age. The Wizard of Oz 2007 carries on that tradition.
Call quickly, as tickets are going fast. Reservations at 641-1212 or visit their website for complete information at alhambradinnertheatre.com.
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