The Wizard of Oz

Review by Paul Towers, 24/11/22

The Wizard of Oz based on the book by L Frank Baum, adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams.

Music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E Y Harberg, additional music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, additional  lyrics by Tim Rice

Directed by Nikolai Foster, choreographed by Shay Barclay

Produced by Curve by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd

At Curve til Sunday 8^th January 2023

“a sensational production”

Well, what can I say about this sensational production of an old classic. Curve’s Nikolai Foster has gathered together a team of creatives to really bring the show uptodate. Be warned this is nothing like the fairly cosy Judy Garland version. With pyrotechnics and flashing lights, to say nothing of the day-glo costumes by Rachael Canning, this is a huge festive treat for adults and children alike. Although some caution is recommended for the under 6’s.

Curve’s extraordinary video projection facilities are put to good use here with a full stage scene setting tour of 1930’s Kansas. A large cast of 22 and a live orchestra of 11 under the stage are well served by Curve favourite Ben Cracknell’s imaginative lighting. Georgina Onuorah, making her Curve debut, is a feisty Dorothy with her trusty dog, Toto (ably puppet-ed by Ben Thompson) taking us on her journey along the iconic yellow brick road.

Meeting up with Scarecrow (a very athletic Jonny Fines making a welcome return to Curve), Tin Man (Paul French ) and The Cowardly Lion (Giovanni Spano) Dorothy embarks on her quest to meet The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Mark Peachey back at Curve once again). As The Wicked Witch of the West Ellie Mitchell took over from a sick Charlotte Jaconelli at short notice and gave it her all.

There is a plethora of electric vehicles from trucks to scooters (for Glinda, Christina Bianco) and huge set pieces that either fly down or roll in. A talented ensemble are everything from Munchkins to palace guards changing costumes in what seems a blink of an eye.

As well as all the well remembered songs from the movie Lloyd Webber and Rice have woven several new ones in to move the narrative along. There are also plenty of snippets of dialogue added for today’s audience.

Overall this is a visually superb production of a family favourite given a modern spritz.

The Wizard of Oz is on at Curve til Sunday 8^th January.

 

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