The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz
Inspire Creative
PACE Center
Parker, CO
January 23 - February 8, 2015

Shows don't get more classic than The Wizard of Oz. Musicals are not beloved for 80 years for no reason. The 1939 movie is so cherished that many don't see a way to improve on the original. The PACE Center production doesn't try to, it is an homage to the movie and for that we love it.

Dorothy is the same, a lonely young girl in a blue gingham dress. Her suffering is universal - the grown ups just don't understand her. And young and old in the audience identify with her isolation. But her fantastic journey in the land of Oz make it clear to all of us that even if we feel misunderstood, home is the most important thing.

While this production may lack creativity, it doesn't lack heart. They do provide a few new spins - like the witches arriving from the side rather from the air, but nothing is unexpected. The song, "The Jitterbug" has been added back, having been cut from the movie. And "King of the Forest," my least favorite song from the movie, is entertaining and funny.

There are a few modern twists on this classic tale. Glinda is played as a bit of an airhead, a nod to her character in the popular show Wicked. And the Wizard's initial appearances seem to be inspired more by the movie Oz the Great and Powerful, than the original Wizard of Oz.

The cast is strong and the story heart warming. The Wizard of Oz is like an old friend you don't realize how much you miss them until they are with you again.

Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls
Ignite Theater
Aurora Fox Theater
Aurora, CO
December 27, 2014 - January 18, 2015

After seeing Ignite Theater's impressive production of Into the Woods, I was excited to check out Dreamgirls. But before my review of the show, I have to give Ignite Theater props for their customer service. I had an issue with the date I purchased tickets for. I called their box office and my tickets were changed quickly and easily with no issue. They even did their best to get me seats as close to my original ones. This is a great perk for any theater goer who worried when purchasing theater tickets in advance.

That being said, it was only the first delight in my experience seeing Dreamgirls. I had only seen the movie prior to this and, as expected, there were differences. The director did not shy away from turning Deena into a full blown diva, not an innocent victim like the movie. Curtis is less charming and more conniving. Michelle is a full fledged character, not an afterthought. Effie is also not perfect, but no one here is.

The vocal performances are strong and the music is infectious. Even "Stepping to the Bad Side," my least favorite song in the movie, is powerful and showstopping. And then there is Effie's voice, which will blow you away in "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" and "I Am Changing," just as they are supposed to. And at the end, the Dreams move into place as Effie's backup singers and you see what should have been. It's breathtaking.

The sets are not complex, but the use of every inch of the stage is impressive to give you a feel of different places. The costume and wigs are fantastic, changing the decades by themselves.

This is one show I feel bad for people who have missed it. This was one of those rare life-changing performances.