The Wizard of Oz
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| Program Cover |
By Frank L. Baum, with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harbinger
Based on the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co and distributed by Warner Bros.
Review by Ernest Edwards
This stage production of the classic Wizard of Oz is very true to the 1939 movie of the same name. Similar to the movie there is some double casting going on. The three farm hands named Zeke Hickory, and Hunk do have some easter eggs about which characters they will be once we go over that rainbow after the tornado scene.
Just like in the movie Professor Marvel is also the Wizard, Almira Gulch is also the Wicked Witch of the West. In this stage production the actress playing Aunt Em is also Glinda the Witch of the North.
Got to give some props to the Scenic Designer Adam Kock, Costume Designer Lex Liang, Lighting
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| The stage, before the musical begins |
Designer Jeanette Oi-Suck Yew, Sound Designer Reid Resja, and Projection Designer Kylee Loera. At the helm of this production is Director Rick Dildine, who expertly guides this cast and crew into a wonderful production that is both familiar and new. Technology from 2026, does a lot to enhance this stage musical with projections and special affects. The production team knocked this show out of the park! I know, a baseball reference, but it is a true description of the work that went into this stage production.
The night that I went to the show, actress Aniya Bostwick was playing the role of Dorothy. The role of Dorothy has been double cast and there’s two different actresses playing her.
This is a very talented cast. You have Zeke/Cowardly Lion is played by Reed Sigmund, Hickory/Tin Man is played by Regina Marie Williams, Hunk/Scarecrow is played by Dean Holt, Aunt Em/Glinda is played by Becca Clair Hart, Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper is played by Riley McNutt, and Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West is played by Autumn Ness. I had a great view of the stage from row O on the main floor, but I spent most of the show saying to myself “I know that voice” of the actor who played the Wizard. I read the cast list after the show, and noticed the actor who played Professor Marvel/The Wizard is JoeNathan Thomas, who played the General in White Christmas the past two holiday seasons at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. That’s where I have heard his voice before.
If you are a fan of the classic movie, then get out and see this wonderful production. The special affects
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| The stage, during intermission |
are out of this world. Especially the tornado scene with Dorothy. If you have never seen the Wizard of Oz before, this wonderful and fabulous stage production will be a great introduction to this classic story.
The Wizard of Oz is a must see production. I cannot recommend it enough.
Buy yourself some tickets and go over the rainbow at The Children’s Theatre Company. The musical runs through June 14, 2026. Tickets are available at www.childrenstheatre.org.
