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The Wizard of Oz Turning motion pictures into live theater is a major risk, both financially and artistically. Sometimes they hit the mother lode: The Producers, The Full Monty, Beauty & The Beast , etc. But for each of these there is a major flop right next to it. Just this month on Broadway, the musical Sweet Smell of Success (based on the film starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis) closed. sadly the musical was met with horrific reviews and sparsely attended houses. The Wizard of Oz is one of the finest films to ever come out of the MGM lot. Released in 1939, it brought us a legend, Judy Garland. Her version of "Over the Rainbow" will always be the definitive version. Even her own daughter, Liza Minnelli, refuses to perform her mother's ballad in concert. Dallas Summer Musicals presents the live version of this classic film as part of their current summer season at the Music Hall. It should be noted that this production comes equipped with both good and bad elements. This has got to be the worst choreography (By Paula Lynn) and execution of choreography that I have ever seen at the Music Hall. Ms. Lynn's numbers look awkward, cluttered, uneven, and immature. This is not helped by the members in the large ensemble. Many of the pros in the cast dance as though they just learned the steps that very afternoon. These problems are noticed in such numbers as "Merry Old Land of Oz," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," and the worst of the bunch, "The Jitterbug." It is just plain awful choreography. Another factor that cannot be forgiven is the tech crew. I've seen tech crews in community theater with more professionalism than these bunch. Through the entire evening, see tech men in black shorts can be seen grabbing sets, wires, etc. Each time one of the flying characters goes into the wings, you can see the tech crew taking the wires off. In the second act there is a flying ax, and as it exits stage right, a tech guy rushes right into the scene grabbing backdrops, etc., to reach that damn ax! I can forgive an occasional snafu, but this happens throughout the entire performance. With those unfortunate elements out of the way, there is still a lot to enjoy in this production. The costumes are just gorgeous. Everything from the array of bright colors for the munchkins, to the green sequined outfits in Oz, the realistic trees, the glittery poppies, and so on. My personal favorite is Glinda the Witch's eye-blinding ensemble of rhinestones, beading, and shimmering fabrics. John Iacovelli's scenic design is superb and grand. Matching this is the eye dazzling lighting design by Kirk Bookman. The special effects are also quite enjoyable. The tornado effects are just pure camp fun to watch unfold on stage. The cast is quite good in their depictions of these well known characters as well. Kate Manning gives Dorothy a vulnerable layer that touches your heart. She sings a soothing version of "Rainbow," and connects perfectly with her fellow travelers on the yellow brick road. As the Scarecrow, Mark Chmiel is a ball of electric energy as the first friend Dorothy meets on her journey to Oz. Chmiel carries a thin singing voice, but he makes up for that with body movements as though he were a glob of jello. The actor gives his character a beloved sense of care and affection for his friends. Ian Knauer makes a perfect Tinman. The actor is still able to convey honest emotion and sympathy, even under the silver makeup. Knauer also has a wonderful tap number for the audience to enjoy. The minute you hear David Titus (as the Cowardly Lion) speak, you will swear that it's Nathan Lane in that costume. Titus portrays the Lion with a mixture of New Jersey dialect, James Coco, and a dose of flamboyance for kicks! He achieves the laughs (and then some) that the role requires. Also providing crackerjack performances are Karen Murphy (The Wicked Witch); Suzanne Ishee (Glinda); Kip Niven (Gatekeeper); and Gary Neal Johnson (Prof. Marvel/The Wizard). It should be noted that the script was given some touch ups, resulting in giving the principals a couple of extra laughs here and there. This production is a feast for the eyes indeed in its design elements and cast. There was few kids in the audience are just swept away by all the magic on the stage. This really is a charming production to take your kids to. While it is not monumental or ground breaking theater, it still will touch that kid in you, no matter what age you are. (Let's just hope that the tech crew has been given a workshop on "if you can see the audience, they can see you" before you attend a performance of this production. The Wizard of Oz plays the Music Hall til June 30. Tickets may be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster outlets, including The Majestic Theatre, Foley's, Fiesta, Tower Records, and Wherehouse Music stores or by phone at 214-631-ARTS, or online at: www.ticketmaster.com The Wizard of Oz CAST* Dorothy.......................Kate Manning |
