Sadly, a production that remains disappointingly earthbound.
The Wizard of Oz
The Peach Theatre Company’s The Wizard of Oz is a faithful but threadbare version of a 1987 stage adaptation of the classic 1939 MGM movie musical. Olivia Tennet as Dorothy and Kristian Lavercombe, Nic Kyle and George Henare as, respectively, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, all give spirited performances that won’t disappoint fans of the characterisations in the film version.
Although the animal antics of Poco as Toto clearly rate high in the audience’s affections, judging by the frequency of the “awwws” he elicits, the standout is Helen Medlyn – her terrific turn as the Wicked Witch of the West completely justifies what might otherwise have seemed an odd decision to cast one of New Zealand’s most accomplished live singers in a role without a song.
Musical director Anthony Young and his orchestra, while not always well served by the sometimes tinny sound system, more than do justice to the well-loved score. However, while the narrative flights of fancy provide plenty of opportunities for transporting coups de théâtre, this production – like the witch’s monkey minions – remains stubbornly, disappointingly earthbound.
Director Jesse Peach doesn’t appear to have put sufficient thought into the crucial contribution the design elements – set and lighting especially – could and should make to creating a sense of wonder, and these aspects seem consequently starved of the required resources. The failure to capitalise on the intrinsically fantastical nature of the Civic as a venue is a particularly glaring oversight. Sadly, this is a largely bereft of magic.
THE WIZARD OF OZ, by John Kane, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by EY Harburg, directed by Jesse Peach, at the Civic, Auckland, until September 18.