Dorothy (LaVon Wageman) has beautiful vocals as she takes us Over the Rainbow, even as Toto (Tavish or Kiltie) tries to steal her big moment as cast members treated like props tend to do.  When we land on the other side, Maddie Baldwin as Glinda makes a regal appearance, coaxing the Munchkins with an exceptional voice to Come Out, Come Out.  A colorful cast of wee folk greet us with winning smiles and tongue-in cheek humor, including the 3 busts from the Hall of Fame we have been hearing about all these years and a touch of American Gothic.  Alice Cash, as the evil-doer from the West, does a good job being bad, hastening the exit of one tiny set of ruby red slippers from the audience. 

As Dorothy embarks on her quest, she meets up with a dim-witted delight of a Scarecrow, played wonderfully by Ryan Luster.  It is at this point of the production that the ensemble really starts to shine, including funny bits by a murder of marauding crows and a tangle of teasing trees.  Kyle Crews has a nice patina as the knight-in-shining tin, determined to see Dorothy gets to the Wizard (played convincingly by  Vincent Pasquill) and to get a heart.  Michael Barahura adds some self-deprecating humor and the fearsome foursome are off to the Emerald City.  But first they must pass by the peril of poisonous poppies that dance and sing, then magically turn into a flurry of snowflakes as Glinda saves the day.

The Emerald City, guarded comically by Jordan Bunshaft, gives the Ozians the chance to dance and sing as they spruce up their guests, even giving Dorothy and Toto new green garbs.  The special effect of the sky writing Surrender Dorothy was a fabulous touch.  The sets, designed by Cynthia Bloodgood, were creatively done making the scenes flow, especially the witch’s lair, which made for a fine exit for the hot-headed hydrophobe.  The Winkies were particularly fun as they marched perfectly in-sync and then busted some moves to put them in the running for America’s Best Dance Crew. 

Performed April 24 – May 10, 2009

Photos by Ken Jacques

Founding Father/Youth Ensemble:

Director and choreographer: Walter Allen
Musical Director: Richard Morrison
Set Design: Cynthia Bloodgood
Lighting Design: Mia Bane
Sound Design: John DeVinney
Orchestra Conductor: Richard Morrison