The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts welcomes "The Wizard of Oz" to it's stage this holiday season with performances running December 4th-29th. The cast includes stars of film and stage Jay Brazeau as the Wizard, Jacquelyn Piro Donovan as the Wicked Witch and introducing Danielle Wade as the loveable and famous Dorothy Gale.
The story (for those of you living under the rock for the last 100 years) is as follows: Dorothy gets swept up in a twister that sends her from her home in Kansas to the magical land of Oz. Through her journey to get back home, she learns with the help of some friends- the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion- that there truly is "no place like home."
As someone who has grown-up on the iconic Judy Garland movie version, I was skeptical about how the stage version would make the story come to life for me. I have lived the last 15+ years knowing exactly what munchkinland looked like, or how Oz came to life for me at the end of the movie. I was worried that this version would fall flat, and be lackluster for me. And really, who can top that moment when Judy belts out "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and all of the goosebumps stand up on your body? But as soon as the show started, I knew I had nothing to be worried about.
What blew me away (literally) from the beginning of the show was how true to the movie the story stayed. Everything from the costumes, to the characters to magically changing the set from black & white/sepia to color when Dorothy enters Oz, put me in awe. I was immediately taken back to the first time I watched the Wizard of Oz with my mom, no bigger than that of a munchkin, watching the story come to life. It for me, was a rebirth of the story I have loved and cherished so dearly for so many years.
I wanna take a moment to recognize the true beauty of the costumes. Not only were they what I had imagined, but they were modernized in a way that added a new twist to the characters wearing them. Of course Dorothy had her iconic blue checker dress, and all of the character actors still had their recognizable costumes, but it was little additions, like the tin man in tap shoes, or adding a twist to the witches' dresses. For me, it brought the story to life in a whole new way, in a way I didn't expect.
And the sets....let's take a moment to talk about the sets. What a way to bring MAGIC to the stage! With such little space to create numerous locations, the set designer did a phenomenal job making me believe that we really traveled down the yellow brick road. As someone who is a huge fan of Wicked, I saw so many similar characteristics, especially in the sets and costumes. For me, it tied the two shows together in a way that I had not thought possible.
Last but not least, I would like to applaud Danielle Wade, who took on the difficult job of playing such an iconic character and making it her own. I will never say that anyone was better than Judy, because let's be real, no one can or ever will be, but Danielle did the role justice. As someone who is so unknown in the states as a stage actress, Danielle's rendition of "Somewhere" actually made me cry. I was rooting for her the whole way leading up to it, wishing and hoping she would do well. When the song ended (after a solid minute of holding a note) and the audience burst with applause, I knew that we were in for a good show. To play such iconic, well-known characters is no easy feat, and while they all put their own edge on them, the ensemble did the show and their roles fair justice. They may not have been conventional, but it was no less than what I expected.
As an avid theatre goer and HUGE Wizard of Oz fan I have to truthfully say, this was one of the best productions I have EVER seen. I was doubtful going in, but was not let down in the least bit. My mom, whom I so graciously took with me, felt the same way. For generations we have passed down this story, through book and movie, and now for the first time on stage.
I recommend everyone of all ages go and see this classic story brought to life. Whether you have grown up with the movie version, or have read the book a million times, you will not disappointed by what you see and the magic you feel. Seats are going fast and there is not a bad spot in the place. Some seating may even surprise you. :)
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online or through the phone at 651-224-4222. I suggest getting them early as I see the show selling out fast. What a great Holiday gift for those you love, or a way to spend time together during this magical season.
