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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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So witch is witch? Tori Wakeman as Glinda and Hannah Tolley as The Wicked Witch The Wizard of Oz
The Nonentities
The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
**** THE Wizard of
Oz is the greatest
English language fairy story of the 20th century, and the best ever to
come out of America. Its appeal is pan-generational, with those who
enjoyed it as children now sharing the magic with grandchildren, and
great grandchildren. Written by Frank Baum in 1900, it is best known
for the 1939 film production. Musical purists will claim that it is a
story with songs rather than a musical, with some justification. At its
core it is a morality tale about self- worth. Director Jen Eglinton opts
for a faithful retelling of the film which we all know and love. This was my first visit to the Rose Theatre. I
could not help but be impressed by the modern, comfortable, and spacious
surroundings, as well as the warm welcome. The Nonentities set themselves quite a challenge
in tackling this show, with its numerous technical features and multiple
set changes, as well as multiple characters requiring lots of costume
changes. Perhaps the biggest
challenge is artistic. The very first song is one of the greatest
standards, Over the Rainbow,
sung solo with no ensemble overture preamble,
just keyboard accompaniment. Jessica Schneider (Dorothy) rises to the
task well. Harold Ard Its themes are of innocence and experience, dream
and disillusion. When sung by a child it tells of innocence, by a young
woman it is hopeful, by an older person it is a melancholic lament. A
huge challenge for any singer for whom the ghost of a young and old Judy
Garland stalks any performance. Jessica pitches it as a song of
innocence, shouldering the responsibility of the opening number with
calm authority.
Before the storm hits Aunt Em’s farm in Kansas,
the first set of characters are introduced from whom Joe Harper stands
out, first as Hickory, then as the Scarecrow, whilst also producing the
video footage of the storm in between. Harper is the energy which drives the show
forwards, funny, charismatic, and with thoughtful characterisation,
whether he is front of stage stealing the limelight, or supporting from
the chorus. The scarecrow’s sidekicks are an energetic Bob Graham as the
Lion, and a far from creaky Andy Bingham as the Tin Man. The multiple sets are simple but effective with
stage manager Hilary Thompson expertly marshalling the many set changes
as Toto entertained the audience first snuggling up to Dorothy and then,
with good judgement, biting Miss Gulch who doubles as the Wicked Witch,
played with a twinkle in her evil eye by Hannah Tolley, who revelled in
her anti-hero persona. Richard Taylor entertains as Prof Marvel whilst
playing sympathetically the bombastic Oz. Tori Wakeman was suitably mumsy as Aunt Em,
coming into her own as the Good Witch Glinda which gave her the
opportunity to show off her fine soprano voice. Music was provided by
Musical Director Keith Rowland who had the formidable task of fleshing
out the sound for some big numbers with just a keyboard, working
non-stop throughout the show. The stand out ensemble set piece arrived
when the cast arrived in the Emerald City, richly costumed, and
presented with brio and enthusiasm, it was the point at which the
evening took off. The opening night audience warmly acknowledged
the cast’s efforts for the curtain call, efforts which grew in
confidence as the evening unfolded. Jen Eglinton has produced a show
which is faithful to its antecedents for aficionados of the story and
fun for the youngsters who are seeing and feeling the magic for the
first time. It runs till Saturday 5th December. Gary Longden
30-11-15 |
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en’s
melody is beautiful, the lyrics, by Yip Harburg (who also wrote them for