One of the best-loved family films of all time comes to the stage in a production brimming with magic and music.
The Wizard of Oz is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
The iconic film was released 85 years ago and remains one of the most treasured of all family movies. The evergreen movie was adapted from a novel by Frank L. Baum which was first published 124 years ago and is still in publication and read by millions of readers around the world.
The book was so popular that it spawned 13 more Oz adventures, and within two years of publication of the first novel it was adapted into a Broadway musical extravaganza in 1902 followed by an MGM Hollywood film starring Judy Garland in 1939 that continues to be screened every Christmas.
The stage version delighting audiences at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is proving to be a huge hit with people of all ages. This is the rare kind of show that appeals to both children and adults.
The story of young Dorothy and her dog Toto being transported from a farm in Kansas to the magical land of Oz via a tornado and meeting the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion will be familiar to most people, and this stage adaptation wisely retains all of the major ingredients and story threads.
More importantly, this scintillating stage version retains all of the key elements that makes The Wizard of Oz such a memorable experience. The universal themes of friendship and the longing for home are at the centre of the story.
This production adds a few flourishes that resonate with a modern audience while still retaining the magical feel and vibe of the original story. Colin Richmond uses all kinds of magical theatrical effects to conjure up Dorothy’s journey from her farm in Kansas to the opulent and colourful Emerald City ruled by Oz. Richmond’s set designs transform the stage in a truly spectacular way.
Alex Clarke’s inspired use of video projection and 3D effects are so immersive and atmospheric that the production becomes a vivid virtual reality experience that dazzles the senses.
Director Nikolai Foster keeps the focus on the beautiful friendship between Dorothy and her trio of friends who come to her aid as she searches for a way to return home. She, in turn, helps and guides her friends to find the things that they hunger for such as courage (for the Cowardly Lion), a heart (for the Tin Man) and some brains (for the Scarecrow).
The casting choices for this show are exemplary. Aviva Tulley is sweet and innocent as Dorothy, and as her character changes so does her performance, Tulley reveals layers of emotional depth and by the climax she has transformed from a little girl lost to a young lady who begins to see and understand complexity of the world, both the dark and the light. Her acting, singing and dancing are absolutely spot on and she encapsulates the spirit of Dorothy.
Any good film or show sinks or rises depending on the strength and charisma of the hissable baddie, and in this musical the audience is treated to a spellbinding - and wickedly seductive - turn by Dancing on Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West. This is one villainous Witch who knows how to put a devilishly delicious spell upon the audience and keep them riveted and entranced.
A very special mention goes to Femi Akinfolarin whose performance as the Tin Man is sensational. He takes an iconic character and makes it live and breathe for a modern audience. Diversity’s Ashley Banjo, who originally choreographed the movements for the Tin Man when he played the role, has left his body-popping imprint and Akinfolarin embraces the spirit and flow in such a manner that the audience respond to every tick, kick and flick as the rusted Tin Man is oiled by Dorothy and he begins to move and sway as the drops of oil lubricates his immobile arms and legs.
A talent like Akinfolarin should be snapped up by film and television producers immediately.
In terms of music in this show, all of the classic tunes such as Somewhere Over The Rainbow, We’re Off To See The Wizard, and The Yellow Brick Road are present and intact from the 1939 film, and new orchestrations and energetic choreography have been added to bring the pace up to a modern audience. Musical geniuses Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have added new material which will thrill and grip the audience, and some of the songs - especially when Dorothy sings farewell to her three friends - pack a powerful emotional punch.
This show is less of a homage to the classic film and book, and more of a celebration of a story that continues to resonate with people in the 21st century.
The Wizard of Oz is a spectacular family show full of stunning stage magic that puts a spell on you.
Verdict: ★★★★★
The Wizard of Oz is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Sunday 4 August
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