©Backstage Magazine
May 23, 1997


The Wizard of Oz
by David Sheward

What made the 1939 film version of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" a classic was not the special effects, weird scenery, or even the ingenuous transition from black-and-white Kansas to Technicolor fantasy land. It was the tender and heartfelt sentimentality with which it told L. Frank Baum's simple story of the pain of childhood and love of home.

The new abridged version of "The Wizard of Oz" currently playing at the Madison Square Garden Theatre lacks the heart, brains, and courage to remain true to the spirit of the film. Director-adapter Robert Johanson goes through the motions of copying the movie (there is even a brief opening title sequence), but with no depth.

Because they are playing to the cavernous space of MSG, the ensemble gives us only the broadest strokes. Ken Page as the Cowardly Lion finds a comfortable truth in a circus-clown-ish kind of way and Michael Gruber is convincing in his search for a heart as the Tin Man, but Lara Teeter has no humanity as the Scarecrow. It would be unfair to compare 15-year-old Jessica Grove's Dorothy to the immortal creation of Judy Garland. Let's just say Grove has a lovely voice and shows tremendous poise, confidence, and promise.

Sitcom diva Roseanne brings her domineering TV personality to bear as the malicious Almira Gulch and the even meaner Wicked Witch. She's good for a chuckle or two as when Dorothy asks her "How can anyone be so mean and nasty?" Roseanne's venomously delivered reply: "Practice! Lots and lots of practice!"

Michael Anania's sets are strictly bus-and-truck, but Gregg Barnes manages to display flash and fun with his costumes. I'm sure kids will love this outing, but for adults who still dote on Oz, it's a disappointment.


Back to the Wizard of Oz 1997 page