[NEohioPAL] Review of "The Wizard of Oz" at Fine Arts Association

[Bob Abelman]

FAA's 'Wizard of Oz' has heart, brain and some nerve

 

Bob Abelman

 

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times,

The Morning Journal, Geauga Times Courier

Member, American Theatre Critics Association 

 

This review will appear in the News-Herald on 12/2/11

 

Mounting a stage production of The Wizard of Oz-particularly one that is true to the dialogue and orchestration found in the 1939 film classic-is an immense undertaking.  

 

It requires heart to capture the sentimentality of the iconic sights, sounds and characters from the film.  It calls for brains to be able to dutifully replicate on stage what was manufactured on screen.  And some courage is in order to act on the realization that this classic piece of storytelling could stand a scrub-scrub here and a scrub-scrub there to keep it fresh.

 

With director Pierre-Jacques Brault at the helm, the Willoughby Fine Arts Association's production of The Wizard of Oz has all three. 

 

The show has heart aplenty, for nothing captures the core innocence and exuberance of L. Frank Baum's story better than an ensemble of young children.  As Munchkins, these children not only transport us to the Land of Oz, but into the realm of child-like fantasy where a place like Oz could exist.  

 

Rather than performing community service by filling the stage with every child within earshot, the FAA wisely chose the route of good community theater by assembling a select troupe of tots as disciplined and talented as they are adorable.  Particularly so are Connor Marrott as the Mayor of Munchkin City; Molly Finch, Lauren Wiertel and Brynna Wright as members of the Lullaby League; and Sarah Eckles, Charlie Martini and Nelson Pike as The Lollypop Guild.  

 

As for brains, casting Korinne Carroll Courtwright as Dorothy was not only smart but shrewd.  Mercifully void of overt Judy Garlandisms but similarly endowed with a gorgeous singing voice and assertive stage presence, Courtwright forges her own path on the yellow brick road.  She is joined by the gifted and charismatic trio of Lincoln Sandham as Scarecrow, Nick Grimsic as Tinman and Dan DiCello as Cowardly Lion.

 

This production is clearly right-brain dominant, for it overflows with creativity.  Dramatic flying effects, a penchant for puppetry, and wonderful costume design by Jonathan Anderson are showcased.  The more cinematic scenes and locations in the play are underwhelming, including the Twister reenactment, the Poppy scene and the Emerald City set, but everything else staged and choreographed by Brault and constructed by scenic designer Richard Gould is enchanting.

 

Courage in the form of creative innovation also defines this production, although Oz traditionalists may find this a bit nervy and blasphemous.  However, a small dose of 21st century sensibility is a welcome addition when offered by Amiee Collier as the Wicked Witch of the West.  Collier is patently green and scary, but she adds sass and sardonic wit to the mix.  Think Margaret Hamilton on an estrogen drip.

 

In a bold move that pays huge dividends, Collier is given the lead vocal in the "Jitterbug" number, which is typically sung by Dorothy when it is not cut out completely as it was in the film.  This energetic song and dance, supported by John Krol's understaffed but solid orchestra, is one of the highlights in the production.  Seeing Dorothy and her posse overcome with the need to jitterbug is delightful.

 

Tasha Brandt, as Glinda, and Nick Grimsic, as the Tinman, also attempt to push the envelope on their archetypical characters by delivering their lines and random improvisations tongue-in-cheek.  They are not as daring as Collier but are certainly on the right track.  

 

Also courageous is Dorothy and Scarecrow's encounter with drag queen apple trees, which not only results in some clever takes on antiquated dialogue but will no doubt lead to interesting discussions with the kids on the drive home from the theater.  

 

"If I Only Had a Brain," "If I Only Had a Heart" and "If I Only Had the Nerve" are sung on stage but refrains of "If I Only Had a Ticket" will be heard in the lobby. This show is nearly sold out.

 

The Wizard of Oz runs through December 18 at the Fine Arts Association's Corning Auditorium, 38660 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby.  For tickets, which are $15 to $25, call 440-951- 7500 or visit  www.fineartsassociation.org.
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