The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
Johnstown, CO
July - September 2017

For 77 years, The Wizard of Oz has been a family favorite – first on film and later on stage. The past few years have seen many productions of it in the Colorado region. The most recent was produced by the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

The main actors varied widely in ability. Their Dorothy was pleasant, but it came across as a shallow portrayal. There was nothing new or deep about the character. And “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was nice, but not as stirring beautiful as it could have been.

Her three friends were far more interesting. The Cowardly Lion was particularly likeable with his antics. And it was fun to see the Scarecrow flop around as he did. His delivery of his lines added more comedy than the film version we’re all so familiar with.

The Wicked Witch of the West did well with a mix of the film version and her own spin of the character. She kept the role from becoming too scary for the audience filled with children and still managed some humor when needed.

The ensemble was filled with talent, but the staging unfortunately tended to over shadow their performances. As Munchkins, they performed on their knees. While it was well choreographed, it seemed like a silly gimmick.

The show was well choreographed. None better than "The Jitterbug" - a song that was removed from the film. The cast shone in their complex dance moves and you could understand why Dorothy and her friends were exhausted afterwards.

Also strange was the casting of a young girl as Toto in Oz, but a real dog was used in the Kansas scenes. The girl was absolutely adorable with a realistic sounding bark, but there didn’t seem to be any reason for the change.

The sets of the show were often bulky and cumbersome. During the tornado and Dorothy’s return we were left with a dark stage and the sound of changing scenery. There was nothing to even suggest the tornado.

In the past I have complimented the Candlelight on the availability of their cast after the show. This one was an exception. Only one of the “four friends” was available for meet and greet at the performance I attended. And considering it was a Sunday matinee with lots of kids, it was a disappointment.

The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse has had a terrific season. Unfortunately, they saved their weakest production for last.