The Wizard of Oz
Hosted by Children’s Theatre Company
A trip over the rainbow has become a tradition, for some, that has been passed down generation after generation. It is safe to say that almost every can recall when they first experienced the wonder and magic of L. Frank Baum’s enchanting and magical world of Oz. Whether it was watching it annually on television or wearing out the family VHS (for those who are not old enough to know what that is, ask your parents), The Wizard of Oz has left its mark on all of us in way or another.
When it was announced that Children’s Theatre was preparing to mount this classic story, there seemed to be one word that summed up the anticipation, electric. This was especially felt as the audience poured into the theater to get seated for what was sure to be a spectacular night at the theater and they would be right.
Children’s Theatre Company has brought Oz to life in vibrant Technicolor and it is a treat for the eyes and ears. Based on the historic 1939 MGM film of the same name, this stage production is essentially a copy paste of the screenplay of the film but that isn’t a negative in any way. By sticking to what worked so well back then and has endured over the years, the audience is able to fully sit back and enjoy the wonder and spectacle being presented.
From the moment the audience enters the space, we know exactly what we are in for. The classic sepia toned lighting gives us that rush of nostalgia that we crave and as the show progresses, it is clear that the design team is firing on all cylinders.
As the story is known to be full of magical and mystical moments, audience members may be hoping for some topnotch theatrics and rest assured they are delivered. Sometimes in very creative and inspired ways (no spoilers here) which will surprise even those who think they know the film backwards and forwards and how they expect the effects to be presented.
CTC Artistic Director, Rick Dildine, has assembled a team of actors and crew that clearly love the piece with their whole hearts and it is evident in how much fun everyone seems to be having. The sheer joy that radiates from the cast is incredibly infectious and you will be hard pressed to find a single face without a smile in the auditorium, even those dads who were dragged there by their wives were having a blast.
Leading the big parade (on opening night) is Aniya Bostick who not only enchants the entire audience as Dorothy but her ability to inject so much heart and soul into the role is remarkable. It is no wonder why the audience all but leapt out of their seats as she finished her soaring rendition of Somewhere Ov’r the Rainbow. Never trying to be an imitation of the performance that was so iconically given by Minnesota native, Judy Garland, Bostick is singular in her portrayal.
Rounding out the Fab Four are three incredible veterans of the Twin Cities stage who bring so much wisdom, heart, and nerve to the roles of the Scarecrow (Dean Holt), the Tin Man (Regina Marie Williams), and the Cowardly Lion (Reed Sigmund), that we feel as if we are meeting them of the very first time. They provided all of the classic beats but inject their own flare which keeps the characters fresh.
Leaning into the extreme characterization of The Wicked Witch of the West, CTC company member Autumn Ness gives us just what we want: mean, green, and a taste of Margaret Hamilton. As the bar for the character is set so high, Ness never tries to exceed Hamilton’s iconic performance, instead she gives us enough of the original performance to be recognizable while adding her own flare.
This is a glitzy production that is certainly worth calling a top show of the spring season in the Twin Cities lineup. It is perfect for every age whether you have seen the original film a hundred times, read the books that it is lovingly based on, or are completely new to the story.
