The Wizard of Oz

Synopsis

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.

Our Review:

7 December 2006

L Frank Baum’s classic tale of The Wizard of Oz is a pretty safe bet for a Christmas show for the young, particularly when boosted by EY Harburg’s sentimental-to-satirical lyrics and Harold Arlen’s memorable music. When it receives a production as stylish as this, with a fine ensemble and frequently stunning visual impact, its success is assured.

Rachel Kavanaugh’s production of John Kane’s adaptation, seen last year at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, takes the 1939 film, rather than the original story, as its main inspiration. This shows in many ways, not least in the highly effective Twister Scene created on film by Second Home Production. The musical underscoring and the fluid switching and merging of scenes (great fun with the revolving stage) are equally cinematic.

The story is clearly enough told – and with sufficient humour and empathy with the characters – to be received with rapt attention by its young audience. Dorothy, a young girl in ...

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Latest User Review

86.4.68.38) - 3 February 2007:

I've never seen "The Wizard of Oz" on the stage before,only watching the film as a child. My family love it. I went along because the West Yorkshire Playhouse has a good reputation at staging musicals. i.e Jude Kelly's "Singing In The Rain" which I seen in Manchester. I was looking for something special as they were using the RSC version which I also wanted to see. I'd heard a copy of the CD when I was a child and fell in love with the musical arrangements. The production shines as it is keep simple and keeps to the MGM film and everyone knows what to expect. The flying sequences with Glinda the Good Witch and Wicked Witch were visually stuning. The Orchestra of 6 yes 6! produced a very good Orchestral sound. Although it was a shame that some Brass was not added to boost the texture. But due to funding and limits one can't complain. Well done the Music was great. The scenes were good and set changes went of with a blomb. The main characters of Dorethy,Tinman,Scarecrow and Lion were good as were the supporting chorus of Munchkins,Poppies ect. The singing from everyone was very strong. This is one Oz that you should have seen. I wouldn't be surpised if it turned up in the westend again. As this is what theatre is ment to be....

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