By Amber C. Nore
The Great and Powerful Oz: A Magical Musical, The TADA Theatre, August 8, 2024
The Great and Powerful Oz: A Magical Musical is based on the classic tale and tunes that we all grew up with and love.
The show opens in Kansas, with Elizabeth Krier as Dorothy Gale and Issainah Roberts as her dog, Toto. Both are absolutely charming in their roles. Dorothy plots to run away to escape from the mean Miss Gulch, played by Judy Welch. Krier sings a beautiful version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” that sets the tone for the show. A tornado transports Dorothy and Toto to Munchkinland in the land of Oz, and this is where the delightful Nebraska Children’s Choir enters as all of the colorful munchkins. They are absolutely adorable, and everyone got a chance to showcase their singing talent! It is apparent what a great time they are having on stage, which makes it fun for the audience as well.
The beautiful Glinda, Good Witch of the North played by Britt Sommer shines against the very Wicked Witch, expertly played by Judy Welch. Both were pitch perfect.
As Dorothy begins her journey down the Yellow Brick Road to see The Wizard, she meets our familiar friends: The Scarecrow, played by Matthew Kischer, The Tin Man, played by Todd Krier, and The Cowardly Lion, played by Dave Claus. Each actor is absolutely magical in bringing their character to life and stays true to the classic interpretations that we all know and love. I loved “If I Only Had a Brain,” “If I Only Had a Heart,” and “If I Only Had the Nerve” as performed by these talented actors!
The Nebraska Children’s Choir enters again in the Land of Oz, to sing “Merry Old Land of Oz” and prepare Dorothy and her friends to meet the Wizard. This is the largest cast I have seen on the TADA stage and it is fun to get in the spirit of Oz with them!
The Wizard sends Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man to fetch the broom of the Wicked Witch, and we are treated to “The Jitterbug” dance, a song that not everyone knows from the original film. Thankfully, Glinda comes along to save the day and after a rousing rendition of “Ding Dong The Witch is Dead” everyone is celebrating!
Dorothy returns to her beloved Aunt Em , played by Judy Anderson and Uncle Henry played by Harold Scott (who doubles as The Wizard) and declares “There’s No Place Like Home!”
I loved hearing the audience sing along during the show and hear the children’s laughter and delight with each song or special effect.
This collaboration with The TADA Theatre and Nebraska Children’s Choir follows a long tradition of collaborative projects for TADA and is directed with precision by Robert D. Rook who also designed over 100 impressive animations and projections adding to this visually stunning production as did the detailed costumes by Shelly Self. Special mention to the entire sound, lighting, design, music and production team for all of their hard work as well!
This is a delightful, family-friendly experience that will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your trip to Oz unlike you have ever experienced before!
If you go: The Great and Powerful Oz runs August 8-25, 2024, Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 and Sundays at 2. Ticket information can be found at https://www.tadatheatre.info/
Amber C. Nore is a singer/actress/writer who has performed locally with Angels Theatre Company, TADA, Pinewood Bowl and Lincoln Community Playhouse and nationally with Spokane Repertory Theatre and Rogue Players. She sings in the band Andy Pappas & Jukebox Gyro, the debut album “Inside Voices” is available on iTunes and Spotify. Her favorite role has been Stage Mom to her daughter, Chloe and Foster Mom to niece, Mars. Amber is the Director of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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