It’s easy to evaluate a musical like The Wizard of Oz when a six-year-old is in the next seat. Her take: triple thumbs up.
Gateway Theatre’s production of the classic tale is clever, heartwarming and certainly worthy of two thumbs up. Adding a third is cheating, but that won’t stop those wowed by the presence of a real dog on stage.
Oz, which opened on Gateway’s MainStage last Friday, indeed has a cast with a real, well-behaved dog who leaves most of the heavy lifting to its stunt double stuffy. Don’t worry cat people, there’s much more to talk about here than an in-the-fur Toto. The real gems here are human.
Artistic director Jovanni Sy has given us the Royal Shakespeare Company stage adaptation of the 76-year-old film, based on L. Frank Baum’s story. The fairy tale is familiar: Dorothy is caught in a twister and finds herself over the rainbow. She meets up with Munchkins and, in search of home, follows a yellow brick road with new pals Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion.
This is a big show. Twenty-six actors dance and sing through many lands, and we’re graciously taken to each one through Lauchlin Johnston’s creative sets and Sean Nieuwenhuis’s projections. Director Barbara Tomasic’s clever inclusion of special effects, such as projections and puppetry, effectively conjure up a storm and demonstrate the Wicked Witch’s might.
Leading the cast is the likable Bridget Esler (Dorothy) with a strong, yet admirably unassuming, presence. Memorable is Tara Travis for her inspired and humourously evil portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West. Another standout is Victor Hunter for his convincing portrayal of the brainless and lovable Scarecrow. Other bright lights include Nathan Cottell for roles that include Emerald City Guard, R.G. Miller as the Wizard of Oz and an ensemble of versatile young stars.
Another star is the music. Chris King is back to lead the orchestra and create — to use a six-year-old’s description — something that sounds pretty.
Gateway’s December musical is often a treat, and this year is no exception.
Groan at the borrowed phrase, but when it comes to Oz, there’s no place like Gateway.
The Wizard of Oz runs at Gateway Theatre until Jan. 3. Visit online at gatewaytheatre.com for ticket information and show dates.
