6 newportbeachindy . com DECEMBER 23 , 2022
Oz
PAGE 4
of course , from the Playhouse . The hallmark of this “ Oz ” is its slick professionalism , and in this case , “ slick ” is meant as a positive .
Scriptwriter Kris Lythgoe is also the producer with Bonnie Lythgoe as director , Andrew Street musical director and Mason Trueblood as choreographer .
Their work across the board couldn ’ t be better , and that goes for the show ’ s cast , too .
The visual and technical elements are equally solid . The combined work of Aaron Rhyne and Kevan Loney ’ s scenic design , Haven Hanson ’ s costumes , Crystal R . Shomph ’ s lighting and Ian Scot ’ s sound borders on being cinematic .
The general palette of the opening scenes in Kansas is sepia-toned , a nod to the 1939 film . A lively hoedown number introduces us to farmhands Curley ( Matthew Patrick Davis ) and Elmo ( Andrew Metzger ).
The ill-tempered Miss Gulch ( Ashley Bruce ) threatens to capture Toto , prompting Dorothy ( Olivia Sanabia ) to run away from home .
A twister strikes , pulling the house off its foundation and depositing it into the magical land of Oz . The residents of Munchkinland hail Dorothy a hero for killing their despotic ruler , the Witch of the East .
Dorothy gains an enemy , the witch ’ s sister , the Wicked Witch of the West
Olivia Sanabia , Matthew Patrick Davis , Andrew Metzger and Doran Butler star in “ The Wonderful Winter of Oz ” at the Laguna Playhouse .
Andrew Metzger , Matthew Patrick Davis , Doran Butler and Ashley Bruce ( far right ) star in “ The Wonderful Winter of Oz ” at the Laguna Playhouse .
( Bruce ) – but she also gains allies , including Glinda , the Good Witch of the North ( Desi Dennis-Dylan ) and , later , the Scarecrow ( Davis ), Tin Man ( Doran Butler ) and Lion ( Metzger ).
The familiar story unfolds as the quartet of new friends treks to the
gleaming Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz ( Barry Pearl ), who promises help if they bring him the Wicked Witch ’ s broom .
Of course , they realize this means they ’ ll have to kill her , setting up the final showdown .
The script drops extraneous scenes to keep the running time tight and to make room for 15 musical numbers and new , original dialogue – for example , an exasperated Dorothy repeatedly insisting that killing the Witch of the East “ was an accident !” The emphasis on comedy makes this version of “ Oz ” lighthearted and humorous .
While the script is entirely faithful to its source , it ’ s also sly and knowing , with many a contemporary reference cannily planted . Those that kids don ’ t recognize will be appreciated by the adults on hand .
The characters tell us up front that the form of panto involves audience participation . The fourth wall dissolves and we partake of the fun by becoming part of the show . Late in Act Two , six children are brought onto the stage , interacting with Scarecrow and Lion and returning to their seats with a gift bag of holiday goodies .
While Sanabia , Bruce and Dennis- Dylan provide the strongest pop vocals , not a weak link exists in terms of the entire cast ’ s singing and dancing .
Sanabia is a forceful Dorothy who takes no guff from anyone . With her stirring vocals , she makes the immortal song “ Over the Rainbow ” her own . Bruce is no old crone , but , rather , a young and attractive Witch . In that role , she ’ s silkily villainous , but more or less lovably so , while Dennis- Dylan ’ s easygoing , laid-back Glinda nicely contrasts with Bruce ’ s fevered theatrics as the baddie .
Davis is a pleasingly agile , looselimbed Scarecrow , and Pearl ’ s Wizard is formidable and intimidating and , once he ’ s exposed as a phony , morphs into being warm , kind and supportive .
In his role of the Lion , Metzger is the production ’ s obvious star . The actor eschews Bert Lahr ’ s trembling timidity , instead more closely resembling the stage persona of Nathan Lane . This Lion is the most boisterous character on hand , and with his stage presence and natural comic timing , Metzger walks away with his every scene .
The octet of youngsters in the chorus fulfill multiple roles and must be commended for providing songand-dance skills equal to those of the production ’ s stars .
Street ’ s onstage keyboard work provides the musical accompaniment that keeps this show moving . Lythgoe shows always feature rock scores , and this production gives us memorable renditions of “ Don ’ t Stop Believin ’,” “ Dancing in the Street ,” “ On Top of the World ” and “ Both Sides Now .”
Like previous Lythgoe-Laguna productions , “ The Wonderful Winter of Oz ” is aimed at kids and teens , but we dare say their parents and grandparents will also enjoy this wonderfully fun version of the Baum classic .
Moulton Theatre , Laguna Playhouse , 606 Laguna Canyon Drive , Laguna Beach . Through December 29 . Running time ( including intermission ): Two hours . Tickets : $ 36 to $ 71 . Ticket purchase / information : 949-497-2787 , lagunaplayhouse . org .
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