By Kristen Weyer.
“We’re off to see the wizard” at The Argyle Theatre for their newest Children’s Theatre production The Wizard of Oz. Playing until October 20th, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum, was first published in 1900 as a child’s novel and then put on the stage in 1902. With music and lyrics from the MGM Motion Picture Score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, and background music by Herbert Stothart, it is directed here by Kate Keating and Samantha Gates Weber. This fun and charming production is a wonderful introduction to this classic story for a new little theatre lovers!
Come and follow Dorothy down the yellow brick road as she embarks on an incredible journey into the Land of Oz. With memorable songs and amazing adventures, she makes friends and dodges enemies on her way to see the Wizard, until she finally realizes that “there’s no place like home.”
Pleasant voices and amusing characters abound in this talented cast. Kate Keating is an excellent Dorothy. Her pronunciation and vocal cadence are quite reminiscent of Judy Garland’s portrayal, and this adds a lovely touch of nostalgia and familiarity for any who have seen the film. Marquez Catherine Stewart as Almira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West was sufficiently scary with much shrieking, cackling and a solid delivery of the classic lines. Alternately, Emily Durand was heartwarming and sweet as Glinda, The Good Witch/Aunt Em. Scott Earle was charming and amusing as the Wizard of Oz. Everyone’s favorite trio was divertingly portrayed by Ryan Cavanagh as The Scarecrow/Hunk, Alex Schecter as Hickory/The Tinman, and Evan Schutz as Zeke/The Cowardly Lion.
The Argyle has accomplished a charming morning of child-friendly theatre. They have done a wonderful job in toning down the scarier aspects of the show for the children: the Winkies chanting is limited, and there is only one flying monkey named Nikko (nicely played by Maria Cento). The wizard’s illusion is a shadow, though just to be aware, it is fairly alien in form so there might still be a possibility for unease. An awesome, if potentially startling, special effect appears throughout the show in the Wicked Witch of the West’s sudden smoky appearances. So grab the kids and head over to the Argyle for magical trip to the Land of Oz! Enjoy the classic tale and music, and then you even get to meet the cast and get autographs! With tons of fun, and great costumes from Joe Kassner, The Wizard of Oz is sure to delight the younger audiences.