The Wizard of Oz

This well-loved musical, produced by Murray Music and Drama Club, has been performing to capacity crowds in Pinjarra. Losing their middle week of three to Covid complications, they bounced back (albeit one leading role down) to mount a successful final week.

Featuring a cast of 35, including some fabulous children, the show featured some gorgeous costumes - co-ordinated by Tammy Peckover. Well-constructed set pieces from Trevor Delaporte and Andy Peckover and colourful lighting from Terry Peckover help the show to look good.

Melanie Gray is a very sweet and likeable Dorothy who manages to keep our attention despite some determined upstaging from the extremely pretty and well-trained Teddy as Toto. She is accompanied on the yellow brick road by some strong performers. Emillie Rivalland is loveable and moves well as Scarecrow. Krispin Maesalu is an earnest and genuine Tin Man. On the final weekend, Joel Gal was unable to perform due to Covid. Ensemblist Kelly Cure stepped into the role of Lion, owning the performance like it had always been her role and performing with conviction and charm.

The Wizard of Oz needs great witches, This production featured Nathalie Trapka, looking beautiful as Glinda, while Lori Anders was an excellent Wicked Witch of the West, with sass and power. Andrew Peckover was strong in the title role, with Thomas Petrucci completing the principal cast nicely as Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Guard.

Highlights of this production included an innovative approach to the tornado, and puppet crows - well puppeteered by Tommi Barrie, Matilda Ellis and Rile McGuire. Code Cameron as Nicko led a highly energetic squadron of flying monkeys. The chorus sung well under the guidance of Vocal Director Grace Crawford and executed Christina Treg’s choreography with energy.

A production that was fun to watch and brought joy to its audience - a lovely immersive production amid the hospitality of Murray Music and Drama Club.

Kimberley Shaw