Editor’s Note: This story is a review of the performance from the Nov. 14 dress rehearsal.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, that’s where they’ll be.
Well, not exactly. Where they will be is on stage at the Cultural Arts Theatre at R.F. Staples for three more shows.
If you’ve only ever seen the 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz, you’re in for a treat as the Dream Merchant Theatre revival gives you a new look at the old classic.
From the vibrant sets and music provided by the school’s music department, the show is a can’t-miss evening for everyone, whether or not they’re familiar with L. Frank Baum’s classic tome.
The show starts with the band serenading the audience, and as the scene unfolds, you’re cast back to the open fields of Kansas where Aunt Em (Jenna Jadishke) and Uncle Henry (Cole Despins) are watching the impending twister and looking for Dorothy, played by Hannah Tabert.
Suddenly, the twister is upon the family.
As Aunt Em and Uncle Henry run for cover with the help of the farm hands, Dorothy runs back into the house to make sure she has everything she needs.
Alas, her folly is her undoing and the house is lifted off its foundation and sent spinning through the air.
It lands in a world more surreal and colourful than anything she’s seen before, surrounded by people and things that are far removed from the Kansas she knew.
It also sets in motion a series of strange events when it lands smack dab on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her dead.
Fully involved in the world of Oz after killing the witch, Dorothy’s adventure begins in earnest.
Helped along by the Munchkins, Glinda the Good Witch (Ashley Chayka) and her rag-tag collection of new friends: Scarecrow (Hanna Nakonechny), Tin Man (Shelby Doell), and Cowardly Lion (Cherise Boraski), Dorothy fights he way toward the Emerald City to meet the mysterious Wizard of Oz, who is the only one who can help her get home.
Along the way, however, she has to contend with many obstacles, most of which are unleashed on her by the dastardly Wicked Witch of the West (Jessica Semeniuk).
When the curtain closes on the first half, Dorothy and her troupe have just escaped the dance-inducing Jitterbugs foisted on them by the witch.
Do they make it to the Emerald City alive? You’ll have to come out to the final three shows Nov. 22-24 to find out.
Now, this show being a high school play means it’s not quite as polished as you would see on Broadway. But you know what? It doesn’t matter.
The infectious enthusiasm the cast members have for their roles is apparent right from the get-go.
There’s Nathaneal Tabert as Toto, scurrying around, sniffing things, barking to protect his master. You could spend the whole show just watching him and you would still be getting your money’s worth.
Then there’s the clever humour and horrible word play. From the “a lot of people get along fine without a brain” line to a very crafty comment about playing cards (you’ll know it when you hear it), it will take all your self control not to be rolling in the aisles in fits of laughter.
So, have some courage, don’t be heartless, and use your brain. Buy your ticket now to take a journey to the wonderful world of Oz. You won’t regret it.
