I would be hard pressed to find someone who had not seen the cherished and classic film The Wizard of Oz. Perhaps younger children hadn’t seen it yet, but they are likely aware of the famous characters and story derived from other sources. Characters like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and, of course, Dorothy are as well-known as any in cinema and stage. Movies and musicals, such as The Wiz and Wicked further bring the characters to audiences worldwide.
Personally, I can relate to these characters. I definitely
don’t have courage. I clearly lack a brain. And although I’m told I gotta have
heart, I do have miles and miles and miles of heart! And so does the show.
As the beloved film is filled with magic, emotion and
fantasy, the stage adaptation at Toby’s, the Dinner Theatre of Columbia,
manages to take everything familiar and heighten it with the vibrant energy of
live theatre, especially using the intimate in-the-round environment.
"The show is perfect for all ages and a splendid introduction to theatre for the youngsters."
The Wizard of Oz is based on the 1939 film of
the same name and in turn is based on L. Frank Baum’s novel The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The show hews closely to the film and uses music
and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg from the film with
background music by Herbert Stothart.
Songs that have endured over these many decades highlight
the production, such as the iconic “Over the Rainbow” (the only solo
performance), “Yellow Brick Road,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” and “Ding
Dong! The Witch is Dead” among others.
Under the meticulous direction and choreography of Helen
Hayes award winner Mark Minnick, the show is a triumph, capturing the
familiarity of the film and its score and performed by a highly enthusiastic,
talented cast and group of musicians. The pace of the show is energetic with
scene changes taking place seamlessly. Mr. Minnick gives the performers the latitude
needed to be campy and playful without going over the top.
Imaginative and high-tempo choreography appears throughout
the show. Each
number reflects a unique style and brings flourish and tons of
energy to the production by the skilled performers. Mr. Minnick is well-known
for his attention to detail, and that trait is reflected during these numbers.
The choreography in “Jitterbug,” for example, is eye-popping to say the least.
Ross Scott Rawlings and his 6-piece orchestra as well as the
magnificent vocals by the leads and Ensemble bring the score to life. The dazzling,
fanciful costumes coordinated by Janine Sunday and Sarah King are simply breathtaking.
How the Munchkins are portrayed is a sight to behold and one of the show’s
highlights combining artistic, innovative costuming and choreography.
Set designer Shane Lowry uses screens around the theater for
projected imagery, and Lynn Joslin’s lighting design add texture to the optics.
Numerous set pieces are employed including a Wizard of Oz puppet that will
appeal to the younger members of the audience. If you wonder how a tornado is
portrayed in the cozy in-the-round stage at Toby’s, you should attend to find
out. Hint: excellent costuming, choreography and lighting techniques make it
work without too much damaging wind. Note that haze, fog and smoke appear at
various times in the show.
During the aforementioned twister young Dorothy, with her dog
Toto in hand, is hurled from the Kansas farm she lives on to a land far enough
away so she couldn’t easily return. She travels to the Emerald City to ask the
Wizard for help returning home to Kansas, following the Yellow Brick Road to
avoid the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks vengeance for the accidental
killing of her sister.
Along the way, she befriends the Scarecrow (seeking a
brain), the Tin Man (seeking a heart), and the Cowardly Lion (seeking courage).
The Wicked Witch attempts to steal the magical ruby slippers that had been worn
by the witch’s sister and given to Dorothy by Glinda, the Good Witch, while the
group overcomes obstacles like a field of poisonous poppies and other
adventures.
After defeating the Wicked Witch by melting her with water,
the group discovers the Wizard is a “humbug” (a fraud). However, he grants the
friends’ wishes, and Glinda the Good Witch teaches Dorothy that she had the
power to return home all along, ending with the famous lesson: “There’s no
place like home”.
Most of the large Company consist of audience favorites from
previous Toby’s productions. And they do not disappoint.
Fresh off of her Helen Hayes Award nomination from her performance
in The Sound of Music at Toby’s, Emily Signor stars as Dorothy. While
her vocals are beautiful as evidenced by her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” as
well as in several other numbers, her acting skills shine.
Seemingly in a perpetual state of anguish from her fervent
desire to return home and her concern over the safety and, at times,
whereabouts of Toto, the petite Ms. Signor comes up large. She embodies the
perfect mixture of vulnerability and strength and adds spunk to the Judy
Garland portrayal of Dorothy from the film.
The Scarecrow, played by Helen Hayes Award winner David
James; the Tin Man, played by Helen Hayes Award winner Jeffrey Shankle; and the
Lion, played by Jordan B. Stocksdale are frequent scene stealers with their
physical comedy and endearing performances. All are campy—a perfect attribute
for this trio—and all do it with flair.
The reliably funny David James as the brainless Scarecrow is
more than amusing during the number “If I Only Had a Brain” along with Dorothy
and Crows Brandon Bedore, Patrick Gover and Shawn Kettering. Oh, those
costumes!
Jeffrey Shankle playing the heart-missing Tin Man is also
comedic in his role. In “If I Only Had a Heart” he displays his vocal prowess
as he is joined in the number by Scarecrow, Dorothy and Apple Trees Amanda
Kaplan Landstrom, Carolina Tomasi and Tori Weaver.
Jordan B. Stocksdale, playing the Cowardly Lion, does so
with aplomb. He performs “If I Only Had the Nerve” with Dorothy and his
cohorts, and his performance in “If I Were King of the Forest” reveals his
superb baritone vocals.
Tina Marie DeSimone as the Wicked Witch shines. She’s loud,
menacing and campy all at the same time. And very entertaining indeed. Children
should be fascinated by her character. Ms. DeSimone brings it.
The lovely MaryKate Brouillet is perfectly cast as Glinda
the Good Witch. She is the embodiment of “good,” and her vocal talents shine
during the “Munchkin Land Sequence (Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead).
Then there is veteran actor Robert Biedermann as the title character.
Bringing his 46 years of acting experience to the role, Mr. Biedermann elicits jubilation
then disappointment and ultimately joy to the four travelers. He does it
smoothly and proficiently with nuance.
Also, contributing is the Lullaby Guild consisting of JC
Bost, Patricia “Pep” Targete, and Carolina Tomasi. And there is the Lollypop
Guild featuring Helen Hayes Award winner Joey Ellinghaus, the mustachioed Patrick
Gover and Walker Vlahos.
The entire cast and Ensemble demonstrate their talents
throughout this wonderful production. A full listing of the performers,
musicians and technical crew is shown at the conclusion of the review.
If you are looking for a
magical, nostalgic trip down the Yellow Brick Road, this high-quality live
production of The Wizard of Oz is an enjoyable experience that
captures the heart of the original saga. The show is perfect for all ages and a
splendid introduction to theatre for the youngsters. The Wizard of Oz is
an “over the rainbow” experience and a must-see show. And, as always, Toby’s
famous buffet is outstanding.
Running time. Two hours and 40 minutes with an intermission.
The Wizard of Oz plays through June 7 at Toby’s the
Dinner Theatre, 4900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box
office at 410-730-8311or visiting here. The best options to attend
the show are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Photos: Jeri Tidwell Photography
The menu is shown here.
Specialty Drink: The Flying Monkey
Next up: Mean Girls June 12 – August 23.
