Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, November 28, 2008

High-tech images, video will dazzle all in 'Oz'

By Alice Kalso
Special to The Herald

 SEATTLE -- Nearly every child decides to run away -- next door, down the street, to Grandma's, wherever. "Mom makes me eat peas and they're icky. Dad says I have to make my bed and Johnny doesn't have to. I'm running away."

None of our stories can hold a candle to that of Dorothy of Kansas, who on her runaway journey with her dog, Toto, was swept by a tornado into a land larger than life. A land of good and bad witches. A land of Munchkins, a Wizard and newfound friends.

"The Wizard of Oz," Seattle Children's Theatre's new holiday musical, opened last weekend to a packed house. The two-hour production dazzled theatergoers from 6 to 60 and older and featured superb acting, singing and dancing by the entire cast and chorus. Throughout the show, audience members applauded stellar musical performances of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "If I Had a Heart," and other songs from Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg's score featured in the 1939 MGM blockbuster film. Besides the wonderful vocal performances, John Kane's adaptation retains the original film's plot structure and characters. Live instrumental music adds to the fun. The play is aptly recommended for ages 6 and older.

The play and the film differ in one major way. New technology, specifically computer-generated images and videos, is used effectively to bring the audience into the action. For example, in the tornado scene, thanks to a video, cows are catapulted through the air, mooing all the way. Later, at the Wizard's palace, the Wizard's face is projected onto a blank screen, amid moaning and thunder. In both cases, the scariness factor is minimized.

Action begins on the farm where Dorothy, wonderfully played by Kasey Nusbickel, lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry and Toto. Nasty neighbor Miss Gulch arrives, displaying a document from the local authorities allowing her to take Toto, who allegedly has been bothering her cat. Toto escapes, scampers home and finds Dorothy. She decides it's time to go "over the rainbow." They set out, interrupted by a tornado that transports them to a land big enough to hold Dorothy's imagination.

Entering the Land of Oz, Dorothy and Toto are proclaimed heroes. Their house has toppled and killed the Wicked Witch of the East who ruled the little people called Munchkins with an iron hand. Soon the newcomers meet Glinda, Good Witch of the North. She gives Dorothy magic ruby slippers, warns her about the Wicked Witch of the West, sister of the departed witch, and directs Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. The Wizard will lead her home.

Along the way, Dorothy befriends some amazing characters, each brought to life faithfully by their respective actors. Auston James is wonderful as the Scarecrow who longs to have a brain. He carries his body as if it were a beanbag chair. Matt Wolfe is terrific as the Tinman, the squeaky character desiring a heart. Todd Jefferson plays the Cowardly Lion with panache. At first he's partly bully, mostly crybaby, throwing tantrums to the audience's delight. Later, though, he proves his bravery.

After succeeding at several quests, including killing the Wicked Witch, the trio receives recognition from The Wizard of Oz. But they already have their heart's desire. The Scarecrow's thinking capability has been put to the test. The Tinman has proved himself a person of compassion. And the Lion has faced his fears and saved the day.

Dorothy's wish is granted. She comes home.

This is a great play for all ages. Kudos to Catherine Hunt's costumes, which look like they popped out of a Mother Goose book. Marianne Roberts' choreography kept the audience toe-tapping. Under Linda Hartzell's direction, SCT delivers a holiday gift to the community in this amazing production.
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