There are only a few days left before the terrific family-friendly production of The Wizard of Oz closes at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. -- Director Melissa Rain Anderson transports audiences "over the rainbow" in her two-and-a-half-hour offering that honors L. Frank Baum's books and the 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton, a movie that has become a staple on television for decades.
Replete with a cast of Munchkins [many local youngsters, several of them are ASF veterans, fill the roles with confidence], Flying Monkeys, Poppies, Apple Trees, Winkies, and Jitterbugs, as well as the Scarecrow [Matthew McGloin], Tin Man [Michael Dalke], Lion [Thee Ricky Harris], Glinda the good witch [Lara Hayhurst], the Wicked Witch of the West [Greta Lambert], and the eponymous Wizard [James Beaman], the story tracks Dorothy [Alexis Kinney] and her dog Toto [Alfie] in her attempt to get back to her Kansas farm and her Uncle Henry [Steve McDonagh] and Aunt Em [Lianne Marie Dobbs] after being transported to the magical kingdom of Oz. -- No need for details; it's likely that everyone knows the story.
The production is stunning -- exquisite costumes by Theresa Ham, clever and flexible scenic design by Jason Simms, Nathan W. Scheuer's effectively atmospheric lighting, and brilliantly conceived and executed projections by Blake Manns, enhance every moment. Lots of magic on the stage.
Music Director Dr. Joel Jones's 13-piece off-stage orchestra enriches the musical score and the action. And Jessica Chen's challenging choreography as performed by the ensemble [they're amazing] and principal actors, creates complex and energetic stage pictures that garner appreciative applause.
There are few surprises here [though parts of the text develop character back-stories in ways hitherto under-emphasized], and considering the audience reactions, most everyone can find a favorite moment or connection to a character: Ms. Kinney's captivating soprano hooks us early on with her heart-felt interpretation of "Over the Rainbow", and she doesn't let up for the duration of the play. Mr. Harris's version of "If I Were King of the Forest"is a highlight of his masterful characterization of the Lion. Mr. McGloin and Mr. Dalke are equally adept at physical and emotional variety as the Scarecrow and Tin Man. Mr. Beaman's Wizard is near perfection in over-the-top bombast. And Ms. Lambert cackles her way as the Wicked Witch with such joy that invites us to hiss the villain in her.
In her quest to return to Kansas, Dorothy learns lessons that we all could take to heart: things aren't always what they seem, friendships can be made with the most unlikely people, goodness is a reliable source of positive results, and her refrain "There's no place like home" emphasizes that family and home are the building blocks of a satisfying life.
And the ASF production of The Wizard of Oz brings all those themes delightfully to life.
