By Chase Johnson
The Wizard of Oz at Stage Right Musical Theater Company blew me away by the talent, artistry, and sheer spirit of this production. The performances are masterful, the costume and set design both gorgeous and evocative, as are everything from the lighting to the props.
This is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, with music and lyrics by acclaimed lyricist and composers Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg. Background music is by Herbert Stothart, dance and vocal arrangements by Peter Howard, and orchestration is by Larry Wilcox. The Wizard of Oz was originally was adapted for the musical stage by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Story
The musical is a direct adaptation of the book and based on the MGM film of the same name. Dorothy Gale is caught in a tornado that sends her flying into the Land of Oz. She seeks her way home and is told only the Wizard of Oz can help her. On her way to meet the wizard she encounters an eccentric group of characters and learns valuable lessons about family, solving your problems, and of course how there is no place like home.
The Performances
The entire cast does a wonderful job. The ensemble fills out the world excellently and adds subtle bits of personality to the scenes. Of particular note are the crowds in both Munchkin Land and the Emerald City. They are lively, energetic and, given how many of the ensemble are younger actors, they do an excellent job and should be commended.
Zac Holman as the Cowardly Lion brings Holman’s agility and acrobatic skill. He embodies the Lion with both its trademark cowardice and a level of physical humor that is incredibly entertaining to watch. James Lindeman as the Scarecrow and Cody Combs as the Tin Man will bring you to laughter multiple times. They play their characters perfectly.
Kayleigh Berenzy as the actress puppeteering Toto also deserves a mention. If I was not able to see her operating the Puppet, I might have honestly believed they trained a dog for this production. Not bad for someone who claims this is her first time puppeteering. John Dorney as the Wizard does a fantastic job as the kindly old conman and the reveal of him as the man behind the curtain is excellent.
Dorothy and the Wicked Witch
Finally no discussion of this play can be complete without examining our heroine and villain. Throughout history, theater, pop culture, the zeitgeist whatever you want to call it we define our heroes by their villains. Batman has the Joker. Van Helsing has Dracula. Dorothy has the Wicked Witch of the West. Cassidy Perme plays Dorothy. Kennedy Kirkland plays the Wicked Witch of the West. Perme’s performance is a triumph playing up both Dorothy’s cheerful nature and her anxiety about the long journey through Oz masterfully, Kirkland on the other hand seems to be having the time of her life playing the witch. Her performance is full of vigor and an almost contagious humor that makes evil seem cool.
The Production
Every single element from the lights to the costumes is a treat for the senses. Director John Siedenberg II (the second) clearly shows passion for directing, and his equally skillful artistry behind the projection design. John Siedenberg I (the first) is responsible for the delightful scenic and lighting design both of which show off the absolute wonder of Oz.
Cory Charbenau on props does an admirable job of making each prop period-appropriate for the Kansas scenes and absolutely fantastical for the journey through Oz. Costumes and makeup are thanks to the multi-talented Kayleigh Berenzy who does an amazing job on both.
The Bottom Line
This is a show not to be missed. While Stage Right is a relative newcomer to the League of Cincinnati Theatres, they have clearly put a lot of hard work, talent, and drive behind this production. It easily stands out as one of the finest pieces of theater I have seen this season and I am excited to see what they do next.
Get Tickets to The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz runs until February 9th at the Williamstown Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets may be purchased at their website https://www.stagerightmtc.org.
NOTE: LCT welcomes both Chase Johnson and Stage Right Theatre Company.
