[NEohioPAL]Review of "OZ" at Fine Arts

Sun Dec 8 16:37:19 PST 2002

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'WIZARD' WORKS: We're not in Willoughby anymore, Toto
>From the News Herald Nov, 29, 2002
by John Benson

       The biggest concern regarding the Fine Arts Association's latest 
production of "The Wizard of OZ", which runs weekends through December 15 in 
the Corning Theatre, was how could a community theatre presentation rival a 
classic film, especially one with so many memorable scenes, songs, and 
special effects? 

       The answer comes early in the show when a tornado rips through the 
Corning Theatre, keenly combining avant-garde theatrics on stage while 
seamlessly melding with the audience's vivid memory of this classic movie 
scene.  As dancers dressed in all black circle the stage holding door frames 
and shudders to mimic the wind's unpredictable nature, others dance with dark 
fabrics swirling through the air giving the crowd visual confirmation of 
mother nature's power. 

       Then she appears, all green and ruby-slipper envy.  And that voice.  
You know the voice, the perfect witch pitch that would make the hairs on your 
arms stand up when you were a kid watching the movie version.  As if her 
vocals weren't haunting enough, The Wicked Witch of the West (Sandy Kosovich 
Peck) rides her bike through he air sealing her fateful showdown with the 
wholesome Dorothy (Hannah DelMonete).  It is obvious at this point that we're 
closer to Broadway than Kansas. 

       Together, the talented Peck and DelMonte embrace their popular "Wizard 
of Oz" characters with verve.  While the former is able to give film star 
Margaret Hamilton's role (Witch) a run for her money, the latter actress is 
sufficient in paying homage, in the form of down home goodness and sweet 
vocal, to the innocence of Judy Garldand (Dorothy).  As for Dorothy's clan of 
misfits, the Cowardly Lion (Robert Pollock) is a hoot.  Pollock plays Bert 
Lahr's famous chicken-hearted character with just enough Harvey Fierstein 
influence to make his time on stage quite memorable. 

       Director Janet Shank promised many surprises in this quick-paced "The 
Wizard of Oz" and she doesn't disappoint with a solid cast and enough special 
effects (including fire and snow) to ensure the kids in the crowd are on the 
edge of their seats.  Production Designer Ben Needham, a recent addition to 
the Fine Arts staff, showed off his unique vision with a versatile set that 
incorporated many of the elements from the movie version without compromising 
any of the plot's better moments.  Specifically, the ingenuity of a melting 
witch was spectacular. 

       In terms of a production, you won't find a more crowed stage than with 
the 70-plus actors in "The Wizard of Oz."  Sure, there were a few minor 
dialogue flubs -- and Toto did run off stage during his big scene -- but all 
things considered, this timeless L. Frank Baum story, which comes in at just 
under two hours, exceeds expectations.  It is something the whole family 
should enjoy throughout this holiday season.  Once again, the Fine Arts 
Association continues its grand tradition of creating memorable theatre that 
may not feature "professionals" on stage, but as far as the entertainment 
value for your buck, it's an investment worth making. 

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 'WIZARD' WORKS: We're not in Willoughby anymore, Toto
 From the News Herald Nov, 29, 2002
 by John Benson
 
       The biggest concern regarding the Fine Arts Association's latest production of "The Wizard of OZ", which runs weekends through December 15 in the Corning Theatre, was how could a community theatre presentation rival a classic film, especially one with so many memorable scenes, songs, and special effects? 
 
       The answer comes early in the show when a tornado rips through the Corning Theatre, keenly combining avant-garde theatrics on stage while seamlessly melding with the audience's vivid memory of this classic movie scene.  As dancers dressed in all black circle the stage holding door frames and shudders to mimic the wind's unpredictable nature, others dance with dark fabrics swirling through the air giving the crowd visual confirmation of mother nature's power. 
 
       Then she appears, all green and ruby-slipper envy.  And that voice.  You know the voice, the perfect witch pitch that would make the hairs on your arms stand up when you were a kid watching the movie version.  As if her vocals weren't haunting enough, The Wicked Witch of the West (Sandy Kosovich Peck) rides her bike through he air sealing her fateful showdown with the wholesome Dorothy (Hannah DelMonete).  It is obvious at this point that we're closer to Broadway than Kansas. 
 
       Together, the talented Peck and DelMonte embrace their popular "Wizard of Oz" characters with verve.  While the former is able to give film star Margaret Hamilton's role (Witch) a run for her money, the latter actress is sufficient in paying homage, in the form of down home goodness and sweet vocal, to the innocence of Judy Garldand (Dorothy).  As for Dorothy's clan of misfits, the Cowardly Lion (Robert Pollock) is a hoot.  Pollock plays Bert Lahr's famous chicken-hearted character with just enough Harvey Fierstein influence to make his time on stage quite memorable. 
 
       Director Janet Shank promised many surprises in this quick-paced "The Wizard of Oz" and she doesn't disappoint with a solid cast and enough special effects (including fire and snow) to ensure the kids in the crowd are on the edge of their seats.  Production Designer Ben Needham, a recent addition to the Fine Arts staff, showed off his unique vision with a versatile set that incorporated many of the elements from the movie version without compromising any of the plot's better moments.  Specifically, the ingenuity of a melting witch was spectacular. 
 
       In terms of a production, you won't find a more crowed stage than with the 70-plus actors in "The Wizard of Oz."  Sure, there were a few minor dialogue flubs -- and Toto did run off stage during his big scene -- but all things considered, this timeless L. Frank Baum story, which comes in at just under two hours, exceeds expectations.  It is something the whole family should enjoy throughout this holiday season.  Once again, the Fine Arts Association continues its grand tradition of creating memorable theatre that may not feature "professionals" on stage, but as far as the entertainment value for your buck, it's an investment worth making. 
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