Last Chance Weekend to be Off to See the Wizard!

Sarah Elizabeth Crutcher was a magnificent Dorothy,  not just because of her excellent singing and stage presence, but because she clearly showed the most important part of Dorothy's character that is sometimes overlooked - spunk.  Dorothy is supposed to be a spunky, determined woman, with a spirited imagination and great confidence.  L. Frank Baum was an early feminist, and featured many strong female characters in his books, and Dorothy is a leading light amongst them. Bravo, Sarah!

The Scarecrow represents the American Farmer, and this group had many struggles at the time L Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz.  Naive, but with a native intelligence that often didn't get acknowledged, he was often strung up and controlled by financial forces and climate woes beyond his control.  Blake Kildow plays this seminal character without a single false note, in one of the best theatrical performances I have seen.  His voice and mannerisms are always completely correct, and he conveys perfectly that newborn naivete, but with an underlying intelligence that eventually shines through.

The Tin Man is the American Worker, trying to do with increasing industrialization and mechanization. Despite the dehumanizing nature of his work, the true spirit and heart of the American Worker comes through. Michael Kwalei Jaleel Hawkins plays the part brilliantly, letting the tender, human nature of the mechanical man shine through.

L Frank Baum based The Cowardly Lion on one of his favorite politicians, William Jennings Bryan, a man  who ran for President as the Democratic nominee, and lost all three times.  He felt that Bryan's bluster was greater than his bite.  Stephen McQuaig as The Cowardly Lion is a genuine show stealer, with a woof and a woof and a royal growl!

The Wicked Witch of the West represented the wild, untamed forces of the western parts of the United States, and the more elemental parts of  nature.  She is also another strong, female character from L Frank Baum, representing a different side of femininity.  She is almost gleeful in her desire not to be controlled by anyone, and it took musicals and rethinkings like Wicked to truly see the richness of this character.  Nadine Sbriglia Borelli does an excellent job of letting the richness of this character come through, so that she is more than just a Snidely Whiplash.

Ah, the Wizard!  He represents all the cheap, little politicians in Washington who live by the motto, "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bulls----"  Mark Williams plays him to a tee, the bluster and charm of the Great American Con Man abundantly clear.


If you have not reserved seats to see The Wizard of Oz this weekend, you must do so NOW!!!  Do not pass go, do not collect $200, call 283-2161 and make your reservations NOW!!!  It is selling out at record speed!

Thursday through Saturday at 8.  Sunday Matinee at 2:30.  At the Ritz.