reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier
There aren’t very many stories more familiar to my generation than The Wizard of Oz. The 1939 film version starring Judy Garland was traditional Thanksgiving Day television fare throughout our childhoods. (It ran annually between 1956 and 1974.) It has been claimed that with this yearly exposure, The Wizard of Oz has been seen by more viewers than any other film in history!
Beef and Boards’ delightful offering of the stage version – directed by Elizabeth Payne, and choreographed by Sally Scharbrough and James Patton, with musical direction by Brandon Vos – is this year’s B&B family show. This 1987 musical adaptation is a direct companion piece to the movie, featuring original music by Harold Arlen and original lyrics by E.Y. Harburg with a book by John Kane.
Director Payne has chosen many mimicries of the film production’s characteristics, though a few roles are fashioned with new emphases – such as the rather sultrier Wicked Witch of the West. Portrayed by Bessie D. Smith, she loses none of her evil skills. Dorothy is deftly offered by Grace Atherholt. Her beautiful bell-like singing voice provides a lovely “Over the Rainbow” and she brings a worthy Garlandesque feel to her characterization.
The trio of Dorothy’s travel companions – Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion – are terrifically rendered by Joey Boos, Jaden Kindle and Brett Mutter, respectively. Boos is a floppy, droppy rag doll, full of energy and patter. Kindle is appropriately stiff in his shiny costume, still able to sing and dance with style. Mutter takes the memorable comic role that Bert Lahr perfected and makes his version just as successful.
Ty Stover brings his expertise to his set of roles – playing Professor Marvel and the Wizard of Oz, and Jameelah Leaundra sweetly plays Glinda the Good Witch. Christine Zavakos and Allen Sledge round out the main cast as Aunt Em and Uncle Henry – also handling various other roles along the way.
A talented ensemble of players of various ages takes on the many other working parts of the show – Munchkins, Crows, Trees, Ozians, Guards, etc. And the all-important role of Toto is arrayed to three dogs, with Bilbo doing the honors on Media Night.
Choreography by the Scharbrough / Patton team matches the film’s work well and is kept crisp and visually appealing. One innovative number, “The Jitterbug”, is well-crafted and a stand-out.
I wondered how some of the technical aspects of the production would be done. After all, it’s not often that a tornado needs to be portrayed on stage – and the B&B crew and cast has designed and accomplished a stunning combination of sounds, lights and various projectioned visuals for the task – and definitely do it justice.
photo right: Bessie D. Smith as the Wicked Witch of the West
The set designed by Michael Layton covers all the different locations well, Ryan Koharchik’s lighting design is more extensive than usual, while costumes by Kathy Henry, makeup by Daniel Klingler and wigs by Andrew Elliott add much to the story-telling.
Bottomline: This engaging production kept the youngsters in the audience spell-bound for 2 hours plus. Lively and exceptionally fun performances are offered by all – giving a magical telling to this familiar and/or new story.
This is a very popular ticket! If you haven’t reserved seats for the spring/summer treat, please do so ASAP! The Wizard of Oz continues through July 7th. Show times and reservation availablity can be viewed at http://www.beefandboards.com or call the box office at 317-872-9664. And don’t forget – Legally Blonde – the Musical opens July 11.
- – photos provided by Indy Ghost Light (Rob Slaven)
A Seat on the Aisle 
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