Over the Rainbow: Northwest Savoyards presents ambitious ‘Wizard of Oz’

Published 10:33 pm Thursday, February 21, 2008

When it comes to musical theater, it doesn’t get much bigger than “The Wizard of Oz,” one of the most beloved musicals and one of the most popular films of all time.

Leave it to the Northwest Savoyards, Snohomish County’s premier musical theater group, to deliver the Royal Shakespeare Co. stage adaptation of the 1939 film to Everett for the first time ever.

“It is the closest to the movie version that you can get. It references the movie a lot,” said director and choreographer John Edwards of the 21/2-hour performance. “This show is really pushing the envelope for the Northwest Savoyards. It is a huge production.”

More than 200 people auditioned for the show.

Tonight, a cast of 53, including 23 children, suited with more than 100 costumes and numerous sets designed to take audiences from Kansas to the Land of Oz, including a decidedly green Emerald City, will open a two-week run at Snohomish County PUD Auditorium.

No one could be more excited than 14-year-old Sabrina Otness, who will play Dorothy along with her little dog, Toto, a sweet-faced rescued Shih Tzu named Bayle in real life.

Sabrina has carried important musical roles before, including Hodel in “Fiddler in the Roof” and Katie Brown in “Calamity Jane,” but following in Judy Garland’s footsteps down the Yellow Brick Road is particularly thrilling.

“I really grew up around that movie. When I was little, I always wanted to be this character,” Sabrina said. “It’s corny, but it’s a dream come true. I honestly thought I wouldn’t get the part.”

During auditions, Edwards asked all the girls who wanted to play Dorothy to sing “Over the Rainbow” in its entirety.

Sabrina nailed it.

“She brings her own voice and carries the song with such authority,” said castmate Roger Bare, who plays the Scarecrow.

Mark Abel, who plays the Cowardly Lion, added: “She’s very mature for her age. She’s incredible.”

Together Sabrina, Abel, 51, and Bare, 43, along with Noah Dorson, 24, who plays the Tin Man, have struck up a warm camaraderie as the “Fab Four,” as Edwards calls them.

But the enchanting cast doesn’t end with such icons.

There’s Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz (Dutch Heetbrink), Auntie Em (Cindy Christoffersen), Uncle Henry (Rob Carter), Glinda the Good Witch of the North (Dawn Goodwin) and the Wicked Witch of the West (Gina Wilhelm), all perfectly cast, along with an energetic crew of munchkins, played primarily by children.

That’s not to mention the full orchestra and music direction by David Spring, in his fifth season conducting with the Savoyards.

Audiences, naturally, won’t be seeing an exact copy of the film rendition of “Oz,” said Edwards, who has directed seven other shows for the Savoyards. This is, after all, the stage, where interpretation is everything.

All kinds of surprises, including creative sets, technical stunts, unexpected costume changes and more should keep “Oz” fans on their toes, along with a special musical number called “Jitterbug,” including original choreography that builds from subtle foot-tapping excitement to full-blown high kicks.

Bare, who has been studying the film version of “Oz” on DVD, is excited to bring his own reading to the show, including plenty of physical comedy.

“I was really happy to get the role. It’s a hoot and a half,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to sing ‘If I Only Had a Brain.’”

Though he’s thrilled to be a part of the “Fab Four,” touring schools and connecting with schoolkids as part of the Savoyards’ outreach efforts, Bare said the real strength of the show is how the volunteer cast and their supportive families have come together during a rough Northwest winter of storms, sickness and a great many hours of rehearsal.

“This is a true ensemble show,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”