AND WHAT A WIZ IT WAS!

Theatre Reviewer:  Robert Cox

(July 18, 2009)

Last night I joined an almost full house for IRON STREET PRODUCTIONS’ latest presentation, “THE WIZ” at the Dr. Mary T. Christian Auditorium on the campus of Thomas Nelson Community College. If you don’t know, (and you’re the only one), it is the musical adaptation of  the “OZ” tale which stormed Broadway, in 1975 garnering seven Tony awards and opening many doors for other productions featuring an all black cast.

The show opens on the relatively quiet scene at the Kansas farm where young Dorothy (Chrishonna Shelton), seeks solace for her dreams of a more exciting life than that which the farm can offer.  Of course, as we know, a storm comes up, the house goes down and the show never stops spinning from that point on.

Director, Le’Royce Bratsveen, has managed to garner quite a talented cast from the local area for this one.  Not an easy task given the range of parts required by the show.

In Oz, Dorothy’s three new friends, the scarecrow played by (Emmanuel Lewis), the tin man (Michael Brown), and the lion (Benjamin Ford), all ably make known their needs as the group accumulates on the way to the Emerald City.  This trio is vocally balanced and along with Dorothy, kept the show moving as they sang their way along the Yellow Brock Road.

Zachary Hines proved to be a great choice as The Wiz. Probably one of the shows more complex roles, he was convincing both through his dialogue and songs, as he presented the varied facets of this character.  So, off he sends the troupe to kill the wicked Evillene (Deedra Chambers) who gives us this very concentrated character with style, aided by Arthur Browning as the Winged Monkey, et  al.

We wind up with a dead witch, three characters who’s needs were met, a wizard making his escape in a balloon basket; but poor Dorothy, stuck in Oz.  Of course, Glinda , the Good Witch played by Sheila Jones, saves the day and beams her back to Kansas with a couple of well performed songs.  We wished for a song or two more from her.

Choreographer Leah Glenn rose to the occasion with innovative translations of the journey through Oz, with dancing munchkins, crows, poppies and Ozians.  The colorful costuming and accompanying sets, (always a challenge when a guest in someone else’s venue), all contributed to a successful production which was thoroughly enjoyed by an appreciative audience.  

This is a show that will be enjoyed by the whole family and is a compliment to its producers who should take pride in their ability to create and manage such an undertaking with local talent.  Make plans to treat the family to this one! 

Tickets are still available for performances July 18, 24, 25 (8PM) and July 19 and 26 (3PM). Tickets can be purchased online at www.ironstreetproductions.com or locally by visiting GOIN’ POSTAL 1188 Big Bethel Rd or at DISTINCTIVE MEMORIES 555-c Settler’s Landing Road.  Call 757-224-8937 for details and information.