By Suzanne Reese
The classic story Wizard of Oz comes with plenty of “twists and turns” (pun intended) at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem. Written by L. Frank Baum and directed by DeLayne Bluth Dalton, the show is a re-telling of the story that was originally written as a children’s book in 1900 titled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, then was adapted for film in 1939. The story has stood the test of time, and is still much beloved over 100 years later. Just about everyone has a favorite memory or line from that movie.
Dorothy Gale (Ally Johnson) is unhappy growing up on her small Kansas town, being raised by her Aunt Em (Samantha Frisby) and Uncle Henry (Tim Mugridge), especially when her little dog Toto (Bear) is threatened by the town bully Miss Almira Gulch (Allison Books). Dorothy is especially distraught when Miss Gulch removes Toto under a court order, and no one steps in to stop her, not her aunt and uncle or the farm hands Hunk (Preston Harmon), Hickory (TJ Thomas), or Zeke (Andrew Walsh). Dorothy runs away with Toto, but on her way comes across a peddler Professor Marvel (Jaron Swanson) who encourages her to return home. Before she gets there, a twister comes to town and Dorothy is knocked unconscious. She awakens in the Land of Oz, and meets people that resemble those she knew at home. After a long journey filled with peril and beautiful new sites, she realizes that ‘There’s no place like home’.
The casting is excellent for this story. Johnson makes a lovely and lovable Dorothy. Harmon’s physical acting as Scarecrow is a highlight of the show as he wobbles and tumbles across the stage. It would be hard to imagine a better portrayal of the Cowardly Lion than Walsh. He created several laugh-out-loud moments for my young grandson. Books as the Wicked Witch of the West is also excellent, pulling off classic lines like, “I’ll get you and your little dog too” to perfection. Not to mention her amazing singing voice. Despite the great acting and singing of the adults, in my opinion it is the children who really steal the show, especially Parker Durham as Mayor. SCERA is well-known for their children’s acting classes, and it is clear that they have some of the best young talent in the state. The children also look like they are having a blast, especially in the role of munchkins. The entire cast, especially the main ensemble, work well together and appear to be great friends.
I loved the many antics of the supporting cast, especially the crows and trees. There are so many fun and witty movements and lines that you had to stay on your toes at times to keep up. If you go, watch for a Lion King reference. (I won’t give away any more than that, but it was humor at its best). There are a few times that the adorable Bear went off script, but the cast was quick to adlib and make it work. My favorite part of the evening was that I had my grandchildren with me. This was their first musical, and they were truly enchanted. I loved watching them giggling and smiling with bright eyes throughout the evening.
Overall, SCERA’s Wizard of Oz is the perfect musical for the whole family. The theatre has popcorn and snacks available for purchase, as well as a viewing “cry room” in the back for the parents that need to take their kids out. Get your tickets early so that you can sit near the front. Come and see Dorothy and friends real live and in person. Your littles will love meeting them after the show. Be sure to bring a camera to snap some photos of you and your group with the Oz gang.
SCERA Center for the Arts presents The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058
Sept 14-Oct 6 Mondays, Thursday-Saturday 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12-$14
Contact: 801-225-2787
SCERA Center for the Arts Facebook Page
The Wizard of Oz Facebook Event
Great review! Thank you. It really is a great show.