THE WIZARD OF OZ. Musical Fantasy directed by Roche Haupt-Buckle. Music: Harold Arlene. Lyrics: E.Y. Harburg. Choreography: Roxy Levy and Anni Goedhals. Sets: Michelle Hough and Jaco Janse van Rensburg. Costumes: David Pamplin. Lighting: Faheem Bardien. Sound: Liam Cookson. Alastair Cockburn conducts The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Presented by G&S at Artscape Opera until 8 October. SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews Emerald and Ruby casts
The Wizard of Oz, made famous by Judy Garland in the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, is a fantasy musical not often seen on such a grand scale. Known for their high standard, G&S excelled themselves with lighting plots, sets and superb costumes. That is except Dorothy’s (Jennifer Human) dress – its flowing skirt and sequined bodice is more suited to a sophisticated socialite than a simple country girl just entering her teens. Her singularly ugly, frizzy wig also distracted from her young girl image, despite her sweet singing voice.
A high point
Other costumes more suitable are the Munchkins. In shades of blue, the styles give them a ‘tiny persons’ look. Joined by eight well-schooled youngsters, the Munchkins energetic dancing and singing (Ding Dong the Witch is Dead) stood as a high point. As did the choreography and dancing of Jitterbugs and the glamorous Emerald City scene. Except here, steps lent a trifle too much towards exam syllabi.
Among the principals David Bolton’s Cowardly Lion took line honours. Possibly overheating in his thick furry costume, his expression, body language and pathetic characterisation made him an audience favourite. Tinman Nick Plummer succeeded where others didn’t by projecting clear diction over overly loud decibels emanating from the orchestra pit. Pete O’Donoqhue’s loveable Scarecrow couldn’t frighten nasty crows flapping around him with their evil yellow eyes, beaks and large black wings.
An accomplished singer, to her good witch, Glinda (Linda Pledger Eedes) gave the part all the graciousness expected from a person of goodness. Carey Wallace’s acting experience brought to her Wicked Witch the cackling and broomstick waving that (almost) frightened the quartet into parting with Dorothy’s ruby shoes. Michael Harris’s strong confident voice lent power to his interpretation of – bogus – Wizard of Oz.
A family show
Although decibels still overrode voices, Tuesday’s Ruby cast performed in a more relaxed manner. However Martine Kawalsky suffered Human’s same difficulty trying to present a teenage farm-girl in an inappropriate costume. Diabolically opposite elegant Melissa Sanderson’s Glinda, Wayne Tucker, in a drag role, played the Wicked Witch as a wicked pantomime character. Of Dorothy’s three friends Tinman, Stephan le Roux sang clearly, and Scarecrow Darryl Spijkers lent towards being camp rather than shy. But Jeremy Quickfall’s Cowardly Lion won everyone’s heart with his mime, and expression stealing the show.
Last year director Roche Haupt-Buckle won several awards for her direction of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. For that production Haupt-Buckle used a remarkable predilection towards detail. In Wizard of Oz her eye for definition wavered. Yes, the company were well rehearsed and disciplined. But Emerald and Ruby casts lacked those extras that shows need to sparkle into an award-winning bracket. Still, the music is jolly, and there are many characters to enjoy which, faults included, makes The Wizard of Oz a family show.
What: The Wizard of Oz
Where: Artscape Theare, Cape Town until 8 October
Book: www.computicket.co.za or 021 421 7695
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