“The Wizard of Oz”

Highly Recommended ***** Over the years, there have been many versions of “The Wizard of Oz” brought to the Chicago area stages. Of note, those at Marriott Lincolnshire and Chicago Shakespeare. They are in fact shortened versions that are designed so that youngsters can learn more about how to be a theater patron as well as be entertained. I would say, that over the years, I have seen at least 10 productions, some better than others and some that have musical numbers that differ from the classic movie that almost every human being has seen ( at least 5 times). The current production now on the stage at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is an adaptation of the L. Frank Baum story by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company and features the music of Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, so you will find yourself anticipating the musical numbers.

This is a 75 minute adaptation without intermission and has been directed with great care by Brian Hill with choreography by Kenny Ingram. The idea of bringing yet another version of this classic to the stage might make you think, why? But, I am here to tell you, this is a slick production with a breakthrough cast of players. What I truly like is that part of what we see is more today than anything else. The characters are “genderless” and have no race. Yes, in this version, the Scarecrow is delightfully portrayed by  Marya Grandy, the Lion by Jose Antonio Garcia and the Tin Man by Joseph Anthony Bird. There is something special about seeing this story told in this new and fresh manner. I for one, loved the entire idea.

Everyone knows the story ( I think that has to be accurate) about the little girl, Dorothy ( a superb job by  Leryn Turlington, who will knock your “ruby slippers” off with her performance) who gets blown away during a Kansas storm ( or does she?) and her trip to the wonderful land of Oz, where she finds that there is “no place like home”. The other cast members in this production are powerful actors, both principles and the ensemble, who play many roles. Aunt Em, who also becomes Glinda, the Good Witch) is brought to life by the always reliable Emily Rohm and Uncle Henry is deftly handled by Jared M. Grant, who also plays 4 other roles. Almira Gulch and The Wicked Witch of the West are superbly portrayed by Chicago favorite Hollis Resnik, who always proves her ability to play any role and do it to perfection, and the Wizard/Professor Marvel is handled by the always reliable William Dick.

The ensemble of players, who are townspeople, munchkins, birds, apple trees, flying monkeys and more are the highly energetic Kayla Boyle, Timothy P. Foscz, Haley Gustafson,Aalon Smith, Lauren Smith, Anthony Sullivan Jr. and Kaleb Van Ruswijck. Each and every one of these young talents does a great job.

Toto is played by Derby, who I must say is terrific. I am not sure of Derby’s previous work and there is no credits in the program, but Derby ( not sure of the gender) is one “hot dog” of a performer.

The orchestra, conducted by Kevin Reeks is dynamite and although they are small in numbers, they fill the theater with the great score that is from this show. Hats off to: Kara Kesselring, Sean McNeely and Ethan Deppe along with Reeks on the keyboard. They bring the music to life. Songs like “Over The Rainbow”, “Ding Dong The Witch Is dead”, “We’re Off To See The Wizard”, “Yellow Brick Road”, “Jitterbug ” ( a nmber that I truly love including some great tap dancing)- yes, all the music that we know and love!

As always at CST, the sets (Scott Davis) is simple, but works and the lighting (Lee Fiskness, including a very cool yellow brick road) and sound (Christopher M. LaPorte) are great. The costumes by Theresa Ham are wonderful as are the wigs and make-up by Richard Jarvie. Kory Danielson is the musical director and I must tell you, even the little ones that had never been to the theater before, for the most part, were glued to the action of this wonderful new version of an old familiar story.

As you know, when I attend a show geared for children, I ask my grandkids to come along. They are away at camp and so I invited my great niece, by marriage ( I had to stretch a bit) Lili, an 11- year -old who has aspirations of becoming one of the players I review  in the years to come. Her thoughts are as follows:

Wizard of Oz by Lily Kienzle, 11

I thought the Wizard of Oz at The Shakespeare Theatre was SPECTACULAR!!!! The way they did the set and the special effects was so creative and I felt like I was actually in Kansas and in the Land of Oz. I liked how the actors came down the aisles of the theatre and how engaging they were with the audience. The music was wonderful and the acting was incredible. I have seen other Wizard of Oz plays, but this one was the best one I have ever seen. My favorite character was the dog, Toto! Toto is a REAL puppy and in lots of scenes and he was so cute. His real name is Derby and he is two years old and ADORABLE. Next to Toto, I really liked the Wicked Witch and Dorothy – and Uncle Henry’s character was very funny. Really all the actors were amazing.

“The Wizard of Oz: will continue at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier through August 25th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  11 a..m.

Thursdays  11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Fridays  11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Saturdays  11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sundays  11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tickets are $24 for children 12 and under and $38 for adults. They can be purchased by calling 312-595-5600 or at www.chicagoshakes.com

Garage parking is discounted by bringing your ticket to the box office for validation.Accessible performances:

ASL-DUO  Saturday August 24th at 11 a.m.

Audio Description  August 18th with optional touch-tour at 11 a.m.

To see what others are saying, visit http://www.theatreinchicgo.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Wizard of Oz”