©Shawnee News-Star
August 7, 2003


Classic tale finds good fit with Lyric Theatre
By April Wilkerson

It's hard to know how the story and movie "The Wizard of Oz" will translate to the stage. But in Lyric Theatre's current production of it, the journey along the yellow brick road is still wonderful.

"The Wizard of Oz" is a huge undertaking for the stage, even one as big as the Civic Center's. Lyric cuts no corners, bringing out all the effects for the classic story. Witches and monkeys really do fly, and the tornado and great wizard are quite convincing. Much credit also goes to the orchestra, whose vibrant sounds guide us from Munchkinland to the ominous witch's castle to Emerald City.

The cast is full of fine actors, many of whom have played their characters for years across the nation and on Broadway. Sarah Stiles makes her Lyric debut as Dorothy. Her voice relays Dorothy's innocence and optimism, and she shows some fancy footwork along the yellow brick road. The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion (Hunk, Hickory and Zeke) are played by three great actors and singers, Casey Colgan, Michael Gruber and Ben J. Williams, respectively. They stumble into Dorothy's heart and the audience's very quickly. Each is enjoyable in "If I Only Had a Brain (Heart, Nerve)."

An audience favorite is Shannon McGrann as the Wicked Witch/Miss Gulch. She cackles, frightens, bicycles and flies her way around Kansas and on the path to Oz.

Regina Dowling plays Aunt Em/Glinda the Good Witch. She is particularly good when Dorothy is greeted in Munchkinland. David Coffee plays Professor Marvel, the Wizard and the Gatekeeper, and Michael Jones plays Uncle Henry and the Winkie General. And Toto is portrayed adeptly by a spirited little terrier named Ashley, who came from an animal rescue group in New England.

Many budding young actors who attended Lyric's summer theater program, Camp Oz, play Munchkins and Poppies. The cast totals 102 people.

"The Wizard of Oz" on stage must be a dream (or nightmare) for the set and technical crews. So much happens visually to make this show work. Lush sets and backdrops welcome us to each stop, and there are marvelous lighting effects, especially in Emerald City. Something is always changing on stage, which keeps the story moving.

L. Frank Baum's tale has always offered a little nugget for every person's outlook. It's no different in this staging of it.


main Wizard of Oz 2003 page