The Wizard of Oz

I Theatre's latest and most ambitious production to date, The Wizard of Oz, comes to life this holiday season at the Drama Centre, with a limited run from Oct 24th to Nov 15th. Adapted direct from the Judy Garland movie, complete with unforgettable songs and characters, The Wizard of Oz is a huge hit with children, teens, adults and families alike. (You will be glad to know they welcome anyone between the ages of 4 and 104, though I reckon anyone with an open mind and open heart qualifies.)

For the ignorant/deprived, here's a brief summary of this childhood fable:

Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow (and yes, there really is a song she sings to open the first Act). One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. There, in Munchkin-land (a state of Oz), she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the cowardly Lion, who join in her quest for a way back home. Naturally, their journey is filled with danger, surprises and song, which will entertain you altogether.

As you begin the play, you begin to admire the lead, Dorothy, played by Mariel Reyes, who pulls off an incredible enthusiasm filled with oozing sweetness, while at the same time, engaging you to feel afraid everytime danger lurks. Of course, her co-stars Timothy Nga (cowardly Lion), Dwayne Lau (Scarecrow), Robert Jenkin (Tin Woodman), and Rayann Condy (Wicked Witch of the West) shine just as equally in their supporting roles. Look out for theatre veteran Gene Sha Rudyn as well, if you remember him playing the distinct Tua Hia in Wild Rice's Jack and the Bean-sprout (2006) as he returns once again to his first love in theatre: performing for little people.