"Toto... I don't think we're in Oldham anymore". Yes this was The Wizard of Oz with a twist. The real world was set in Oldham, it was Christmas, and there was a subtle pantomime vibe going on. Miranda Parker has written and directed this Oldham College Production, allowing a variety of students from different courses to showcase their expertise. Walking into the front of house area, Photography students had put together a visually creative promo video in anticipation of the performance. Tonight's musical was based on the original Broadway musical of the same name, commonly associated with the 1939 film adaptation.
A teenage girl called Dorothy from Shaw lives with her Aunt Emily. Dorothy and her dog Toto are suddenly transported to the land of Oz by a blizzard. She wants nothing more than to go home, the only way she can do that is if she meets The Wizard of Oz. While on her journey to visit him, following the yellow brick road, she meets: a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion. Together they all discover something new about themselves.
The yellow brick road was eye catching on the large thrust stage. It definitely made you feel like you were in the Land of Oz. Images projected onto a backdrop were nicely chosen and gave context as to where we were in the story. The Land of Oz looked like a Roaring Twenties Music Hall stage, except it was colourful instead of monochrome. Themes of equality, inclusiveness, and diversity were definitely present in this rainbow inspired design.
It's Miranda Parker's detailed-driven direction which helps to make this a successful student production. Including: the cyclical and circular nature of the choreography, the "in-joke" drama students as trees cliche, acknowledgement of the audience on every side, great special effects, imaginative blocking and use of the ensemble, and making full use of the space in a fun Zombie chase sequence.
Ellie Farrow played Dorothy in this particular performance. Farrow is bound to go far in the future. Her focus, presence, and layered characterisation was evident in her acting - I hope she plans on being an actress. Farrow's singing voice was strong too: there was good control and variety to her voice.
A note for everyone, especially Farrow, they all pitched their performance style at just the right level, a cross between being pantomime-like and something more naturalistic. Callum Morbey's Toto was bouncy and joyful. He wore a dog costume and dog movements became human-like. But it worked because of the energy he put into it and his acrobatic abilities.
The Cowardly Lion (Max Blakely) did a superb job as well. His continual wimpy crying was both funny and rather sad simultaneously. You could tell how much the students' exploration and research had informed their performances. Finally, Euan Keogh's geeky portrayal of the Wizard of Oz was delightful.
A couple of minor things, there were technical issues with microphone and some cues. This resulted in not being able to hear everything that was said sadly. The music was too loud in some parts too. Occasionally, the cast came across overly-energetic. However, for the most part the energy was spot on and is definitely a calling card for this company. Ultimately, Oldham College's production of The Wizard of Oz coaxed us into the story. We happily followed them down the yellow brick road. As usual, it is amazing to see students enjoying themselves and doing so well. A brilliantly entertaining show. Congratulations to all.
Reviewer - Sam Lowe
On - 7/12/18
Did you manage to watch the other cast's show, or was this the only cast you watched? If you did get around to watching the other cast, would you be able to write a review on said cast?
ReplyDeleteI was unaware that there were two separate casts, and so our review came only the one time sadly. Sorry.
DeleteDid you manage to watch the other cast in this production? If you did, I would love to read a review about it.
ReplyDeleteI was unaware that there were two separate casts, and so our reviewer came only the one time sadly. Sorry.
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