Thanks, Jan!



© The Daily Oklahoman
Aug. 7, 2003


Road to 'Oz' is a joyous adventure
by Rick Rogers

L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wizord of Oz" and its many sequels, didn't live long enough to see his fantastic tale about Dorothy and her colorful traveling companions become one of the most beloved movies of all time.

No doubt he would be surprised to learn that "The Wizard of Oz" would also find success as a stage muscial, nearly 50 years after MGM released the classic film version.

That stage adaptation, ably directed by Jerry Ferrell, finally mad it's way to Lyric Theatre this week and with a cast of 102, qualifies as one of the largest productions ever mounted on the Lyric stage.

Because the 1939 film is aired so often on cable these days, comparisons ar inevitable. Yet, while this production remains true to the film's sory lin, its four leads wisely avoid trying to imitate the performances of Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley and Bert Lahr.

Indeed, one could scarcely hope for a finer cast than that led by Sarah Stiles as Dorothy, Casey Colgan as the Scarecrow, Michael Gruber as the Tin Man and Ben J. Williams as the Cowardly Lion.

Vocally, they're all marvelous. Stiles' "Over the Rainbow" captures Dorothy's childlike innocence but also underscores the song's poignance to perfection. And though she acts the part well, her speaking voice often sounds unnatural.

Colgan's Scarecrow was immediately likable, but it's his character's clever asides and unbridled joy that make for such a memorable performance. Gruber's Tin Man is no less impressive. He too is the possesser of obvious charisma and displays a fine voice in "If I Only Had a Heart".

Williams easily commands the stage as the Cowardly Lion. His resonant voice conveys his character's authority, yet he tempers it in a way that clearly demonstrates his lack of courage. Williams also scores with a fine sense of humor that, together with some clever stage business, results in a first-rate performance.

Shannon McGrann hits a bull's-eye with her ominous Wicked Witch of the West. With a blood curdling cackle, a green face and a hideous nose, this is a Wicked Witch that actually inspires fear.

Regina Dowling looks and acts regal as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. And though she has little to sing, those few moments revealed a lovely voice that fits her character perfectly.

David Coffee is ideal as the bumbling Professor Marvel, affects a British accent for the Oz Gatekeeper and, thanks to some sound reverberation, invokes plenty of fear as the Wizard. When Toto finally discovers his secret, you understand when he admits that he's "a very good man, just a very bad wizard".

Toto, whose real name is Ashley, is Dorothy's constant companion and an unintentional scene stealer. Watch as she licks Dorothy's face during "Over the Rainbow" or tries to take a bite out of Professor Marvel's hot dog. It's priceless.

Chris Harrod, Cyndi Steele-Harrod and Ashley Stover-Wells also deserve kudos for their tireless work to prepare the scores of children who appear as everything from munchkins to poppies.

There are still a few technical problems that hadn't been ironed out by opening night, but these will no doubt be solved. Too much amplification also left the voices sounding especially shrill.

If this stage version could have stood a bit more judicious pruning - some of the dialogue sounds stilted and some numbers outstay their welcome - Lyric's "The Wizard of Oz" continues the momentum that has made this season such a huge success.


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