Wonderful ‘Wizard of Oz’ at Theatre-By-The-Sea

Posted

While I was convinced that I had seen enough film and stage versions of “The Wizard of Oz,” I had not seen what Bill Hanney and his talented production crew could do with this timeless family classic.

The G-rated musical is directed by the talented, imaginative Billy Sprague Jr., who also brought “Spamalot” and “The Little Mermaid” to the Matunuck stage.

Devon Perry makes her TBTS debut as Dorothy, the young farm girl who realizes she is not in Kansas any more, as she enters the land of Oz with her dog, Toto.

Perry has a mammoth job to do, as she must not only carry the play, but carry her dog as well. And she doesn’t seem to mind being upstaged by the best dog actor I have ever seen.

I could not take my eyes off of Dusty, a veteran of stage and TV, as he hardly blinked when confronted by the noise and action surrounding him. If there are doggy awards in the theatre, he deserves one.

You know the story of the young girl who must discover for herself that there is no place like home, and that family and friends are the most important things you can have. Tolerating the over-familiar plot is easy, when there is so much else to enjoy.

Veteran director of costumes, David Costa-Cabral and the entire backstage crew work wonders with hair, costumes, lighting, sets and sound to create a number of breathtaking scenes, including a projective of the Kansas farmhouse flying through the tornado. The kids, many of them members of TBTS’s summer camp, are just wonderful as the munchkins.

Stephen Petrovich as the Scarecrow, Danny Rothman as the Tinman and Richard E. Waits as the Cowardly Lion bring their own interpretations to their roles, not trying to copy the film stars.

There’s a bit of flying, as the Good Witch of the North (Rochelle Smith) and others make grand entrances and exits.

The huge cast and elaborate sets fill the stage in one of the most colorful productions ever seen at the old barn theatre, truly an amazing fete.

It was so good to see two veteran Rhode Island actors in important roles. Both have appeared at TBTS before, but not together.

Tom Gleadow has a great scene as Professor Marvel, returning later as the Wizard, where he brings a compassionate approach to the role.

Tom Roberts, who had played a most convincing President Roosevelt in “Annie,” has three diverse roles, first as Dorothy’s father, then a Winkie General, and finally the Emerald City Gatekeeper.

This is truly a musical for all ages, and one that shouldn’t be missed. I can’t think of a better way to introduce young children to live theatre.

“The Wizard of Oz” is at Theatre-By-The-Sea in Matunuck through August 13. Tickets are $47-$67. Call 782-8587 for reservations.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here