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.