Park is Over the Rainbow in Wheelock’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Cast of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Wheelock Family Theatre

by Mike Hoban

‘The Wizard of Oz’ – By L. Frank Baum. Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Background Music by Herbert Stothart. Based on the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. Directed by Nick Vargas; Choreographed by Tiffany Lau; Music Direction by Todd Gordon. Presented by the Wheelock Family Theatre at 180 Riverway, Boston through May 1.

The Wheelock Family Theatre returned to the stage this past weekend after a 765-day hiatus with a stripped down production of The Wizard of Oz, with nine actors playing all of the roles – from leading characters to the ensemble players. The family favorite is buoyed by a terrific performance by Lily Park as Dorothy, the young girl who is swept away in a tornado and transported to the magical world of Oz to find out that “there’s no place like home”.

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THE WIZARD OF OZ Bishop Hendricken Theatre (High School Production)

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

 

We’re off to see the wizard for Hendricken’s autumn musical. This classic tale of Dorothy and Toto’s adventures in Oz has melted hearts for more than seven decades with its unforgettable melodies and timeless themes of family, home and the courage to pursue dreams. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s enduring children’s story, “The Wizard of Oz” follows a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow where she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion and other magical creatures. So audience members click your heels three times and join the travels through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard to obtain your hearts desires. Director Richie Sylvia picks talented 60 student performers to play these well known roles while as the music director he taught the well known score to them. Sean Donnelly conducts a fabulous 15 piece orchestra. Teresa Pearson choreographs some energetic dances to entertain the audience all night long especially in “The Jitterbug” number that stops the show as does the tap dancing and many others in “Merrie Ole Oz” performed energetically and splendidly.

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