The Wizard of Oz

After a hiatus of six years in Australia, The Wizard of Oz is being presented by Theatrical, the not-for-profit, independent Melbourne theatre company.  Since 2019, Theatrical has staged productions including Freaky Friday, Little Women, If/THEN and Green Days’ American Idiot.  This production is based on the classic L. Frank Baum story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the 1939 film starring Judy Garland. 

Director Kim Anderson (with 30 directorial credits and numerous Musical Theatre Guild Awards and nominations) assisted by Karen Shnider, explores the adventures of Dorothy in a unique re-envisioned way. Anderson says: ‘the setting of the story is in a time not too far off into the future, a bit steampunk, a cross between 1930’s dust bowl and Jules Verne.’  As well as shifting from the traditional look of the show, the ‘female characters are more grounded and fiercely independent’.   

The sets designed by Mariandreina Baasch and constructed by Bert Dyt and his team, include a Kansas farmhouse complete with fences, cart and chook shed, Professor Marvel’s wagon, the Munchkin Forest with flower laden pillars, the gates of Emerald City and more. Picturesque backdrops are by scenic artist Asad Ali. Coupled with visually stunning lighting design by Jase Bovaird and Jack Pryce, the stage and set are awash with vibrant colours, enhancing the mood of each scene and song.  Projections are used to great effect, particularly during the storm scenes, and when Dorothy and her friends come face to face with the larger-than-life head of The Wizard himself.  The sound design by Gerard Hook includes effective sound effects (including wind and thunder in the tornado scenes and dog barks from Toto).

Although this is a difficult score, the powerful 30-piece orchestra under the capable baton of Bronte Regos Thiele never misses a beat. The skill of these musicians is most notable during the more upbeat numbers including the ‘Munchkin Musical Sequence’ and ‘Jitterbug’. The orchestra is well mixed and never drowns out the dialogue or vocals. The choreography by Kat Wallace (assisted by Ellie Martin) is very ingenious!  Lengthy ballets in both acts (consisting of dancers in black carrying torches) provide a unique way of portraying the rotating winds, thunderstorm, destruction, and chaos of a tornado. Other highlights of Wallace’s dance arrangements are the ‘Munchkin Musical Sequence’, ‘Poppies’, ‘Merry Old Land of Oz’ and the ‘Jitterbug’.  Karen Spencer (and her team) have pulled out all the stops designing incredible costumes for Dorothy, the scarecrow, tin man, lion, munchkins, witches, flying monkeys, guards and more! The intricate designs (including the use of steampunk items such as goggles, watches, and jewelry) have been meticulously crafted and suit everyone’s personality and role. The singing trees’ costumes might just be the most visually stunning and attention-grabbing costumes you’ll ever see! 

The main leads in this production are very polished performers!  Lyla Digrazia (at only 20 years old, with 30 musicals under her belt, and a Musical Theatre Guild nomination) plays Dorothy Gale, an orphan living with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on a farm in Kansas. Lyla’s rendering of Dorothy is captivating, heartfelt, and authentic.  Her touching rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’ was warmly received by the audience. NIDA graduate Kael Serin-D’Alterio’s (Shrek Jr., Matilda) comedic brilliance, charisma, physicality, and vocal prowess (most notable in ‘If I Only Had a Brain’) as the Scarecrow (aka Hunk) is nothing short of perfection! Despite the heavy suit and make-up, Ashley Wilsnach (Spring Awakening, Little Women) brings a sense of warmth and vulnerability to the role of the Tin Man (aka Hickory). His song ‘If I Only Had a Heart’ (performed with three sassy, singing trees) brought down the house. Leigh Roncon (Chicago, Rent) plays the Cowardly Lion (aka Zeke) equally as good as Bert Lahr in the 1939 film version. Leigh’s Act 2 song ‘If I Were King of the Forest’ was a knockout! 

Award winning Keyanna Burgher’s (Into the Woods, The Last Five Years) take on the role of the Wicked Witch (aka Miss Gulch) is both menacing and enthralling. Her scream received its own applause after being held for around an 'ear piercingly' minute!  Isobel Smart’s (Freaky Friday) portrayal of Glinda (aka Aunt Em) is very natural, humble, and down to earth. Her vocals on ‘Come Out, Come Out’ are warm and effortless.  Jason Fabbri (Beauty and The Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) portrays The Wizard (aka Professor Marvel) as both intimidating yet wise and knowledgeable.  Jason’s character interpretation as Professor Marvel is endearing and captivates both Dorothy and the audience. Warren Overton is well cast as the kind, gentle Uncle Henry as well as the authoritative, but also humorous Emerald City Guard. Dorothy’s dog Toto (played by Scamp, in his first stage role) is a cute and often hilarious addition to the show. Scamp needed a little push onto the stage for his first entrance but soon warmed up and was a crowd favorite!

The remaining cast consists of 24 exceptionally talented performers.  Of note were DJ Pearce, Louie Dalzell and Charli Curtis as the Friends of Dorothy.  These three versatile performers were used to great effect as both set and prop movers and featured dancers.  Also of note were the three singing trees, Caitlin Carnaby, Tayla Harry, and Alyssa Sorgiovanni that delighted the audience with their cheeky, animated performance of ‘If I Only Had a Heart’.  A hilarious end to the song ensued as the trees threw their apples at the lion, with a couple hitting the conductor in the orchestra pit. A special mention must go to the younger members of the ensemble whose performances during the ‘Munchkin Musical Sequence’ were top-notch!    

For those who grew up with the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, or the 1939 Judy Garland movie this is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

With plenty of colour, humour, singing, dancing and a little bit of magic, The Wizard of Oz is a perfect outing for all the family!  Get on your ruby slippers and follow the yellow brick road to Theatricals The Wizard of Oz.  It’s a no brainer with plenty of heart!

Jonathan Cox

 Photographer:  Nicole Cleary