REVIEW FOR
CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATRE OF LAFAYETTE'S
THE WIZARD OF OZ
If video killed the radio star, then it’s entirely possible that the DVD killed television programming. When I was growing up, I can remember my father calling us into the family room to watch the magic of The Wizard of Oz unfold on TV. It only aired once a year during the film’s anniversary and it aired during the primetime slot. It made family memories that would last forever.
Here we are, a generation later, and my four-year old watches it whenever she feels like it. I never realized I was killing a magical tradition until our family stepped into Angelle Hall to watch Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) of Lafayette present The Wizard of Oz. From the moment the orchestra started and the curtains were drawn, the audience was taken back to a simpler time of Dorothy, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and their farm hands. I thought putting Dorothy in a brown gingham dress was an interesting choice, realizing later when Dorothy lands in Muchkinland that her brown gingham dress turned into a blue gingham dress recreating the black and white beginning of the film. To say I was elated is an understatement, and as I glanced at my sister who had the same expression on her face as I. We were both in awe.
Miss Gulch, played by Melissa Wimberley, was wonderful. The tone of her voice and prudish presence really had the audience rooting for Team Dorothy. Then Dorothy, portrayed by eighth grader Sophia Brazda, started to sing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” This moment was picture perfect. Sophia simply glowed on stage. Her resemblance to Judy Garland and her smooth, angelic toned voice transitioned through the classic ballad effortlessly and proves that CYT knows how to showcase their talent. CYT Lafayette’s staff showed that their youth is trained and directed as a cohesive family who works together and strives for the best, and that is exactly what they deliver to their audience. The Wizard of Oz was Whitney Petree’s debut as a director and what sets her apart as a director is the relationships that she builds with children. Not only at CYT, but also as a member of the East Bayou Youth Ministry team. When being told she did such an amazing job, Miss Petree humbly replied, “thank you.” Petree encourages children to be creative and work as a team.
Once Dorothy lands in Muchkinland you can witness Petree’s directing magic through the colorful expressions of joy on each and every child’s face. The audience sat in awe as every scene brought more childhood glee from within. From the lullaby girls on pointe shoes to a terrific tap solo given by the Tin Man played by Timothy Theriot.
It was refreshing to see parts of the show that were cut out of the film including the song “Jitterbug”, which is a jazzy tune. To really say this show was magical for all ages is an understatement. The parents, children, staff and First Baptist Orchestra conducted by Tim Walker presented a stellar show. Christian Youth Theatre of Lafayette does not miss a beat, using a real dog as Toto (most of the time), spectacular set building, costumes and props. In fact, the windmill was made by students in the CYT set building class. Lighting was used to create the tornado and projector screens emitted the eerie Wizard.
From the moment I stepped into the lobby and grabbed my children and myself a munchkin treat to the time we lined up for pictures on the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion then exited the theatre singing “Jitterbug” I realized that a tradition of watching CYT Lafayette productions had been started. My father solidified this hunch pointing out that he wants to see the CYT production of Tarzan, running January 30 – February 2. So yes, the DVD may have killed television programming but on that night at Angelle Hall, movies hadn’t killed live musical theatre, and we should see to it, that it doesn’t.
To find out more information about how to sign your child or grandchild up for CYT Lafayette or information on upcoming productions go to www.cytlafayette.org
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