We followed the yellow  brick  road to the Emerald City as Fond du Lac Community Theatre presented

The Wizard of Oz

The family classic musical comedy  was presented with ten performances:  Six evening shows, on February 25, 26, 27 and March 4, 5, & 6, 1999 at 8:00 P. M., plus four matinees, on February 27 & 28 and March 6 & 7, 1999 at 2:00 P. M. at the Goodrich High School Little Theater.

Written by L. Frank Baum.  Adapted by Frank Gabrielson.  With the music and lyrics of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg.

"The Wizard of Oz" was produced by a special arrangement with Tams-Witmark, Incorporated, 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

Film:  L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" was made into a major motion picture in 1939.  It starred Judy Garland as "Dorothy Gale," Ray Bolger as "the Scarecrow," Bert Lahr as "the Cowardly Lion," Jack Haley as "the Tin Woodsman," Billie Burke as "Glinda," Margaret Hamilton as "the Wicked Witch," and Frank Morgan as "the Wizard of Oz."

A critique was published in the Reporter newspaper on February 26, 1999, in the Community section on page B1.  It is reproduced here:

Take a trip down the "yellow brick road" as FdL's wizards of the theatre conjure up "Oz"

Review by John M. Silah, for the Reporter

    "We're off to see the Wizard" on a nostalgic trip "down the yellow brick road" as Fond du Lac Community Theatre presents the classic musical "The Wizard of Oz."

    The cast will present 10 performances on two consecutive weekends.  Opening night was Thursday.

    Tickets are going fast.  Some performances are expected to be sold out.

    Tickets are $8 for evening performances and $6 for matinees.  The price is the same for adults and children.

    The themes in "Oz" are interesting in their seeming contradictions.  On the one hand, the theme of "following the yellow brick road" to find your dreams "somewhere over the rainbow" is obviously an important one.  You can tell; it has a song.

    On the other hand, there is another theme.  This one is more subtle (you can tell; no song).  Each character already possesses the qualities he is searching for.

    The Scarecrow thinks of many of the ideas that aid them in their quest, demonstrating that he already has a brain.

    The Tin Man reveals his "heart" in caring for others.  "We'll take care of you, Dorothy," he says.

    And the Lion displays courage in overcoming his fear and confronting the Wizard at the end.

    There is special meaning here, too, as the cast and crew of this production made a similar journey of self-discovery, following their heart's desire to find the talent that they already had.  This production will no doubt inspire another generation of young people the way the original 1939 film has inspired the last few generations.

    In terms of costumes, make-up, sets, lighting and special effects, there has not been such a visually spectacular show since "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 1996.  This is due to the efforts of a small army of behind-the-scenes volunteers.

    Due to the size of the cast and crew (more than 100 people), it is impossible to mention all of the talent involved here.  A few of the more prominent ones should be commended, however.

    Astute direction by the experienced hand of theatre veteran John Newman is responsible for a lot of the success, of course, but a collaborative effort like this requires a tightly knit ensemble, both in front of and behind the curtain.

    The show is double-cast for the four major roles, due to the large number of performances (10), so comparisons are inevitable.  The dress rehearsal/sneak preview audience on Wednesday night had the opportunity to see both casts (they switched during intermission).

    Outstanding in the role of "Dorothy Gale" are Heidi Freund and Tiffany Spears (whom you may remember as one of the girls who played "Annie" in 1994.)  Chad Sclavi and Chris Zielieke are both light on their feet as the Scarecrow.  Lyle Goebel and Dan Bushner each bring on a tear as they prove they have a good heart as the Tin Man.  Dan Zeleske and Todd Whittaker both have the audience roaring as the Cowardly Lion.  And Lynn Moon, Tammy Eichhorn, Cindy Immel and Barb Piatt are a stitch as witches.

    The show is enjoyable on many levels.  Film buffs will enjoy comparing the play with the movie version.

    There are some surprises; a couple of changes from the film version everyone is so familiar with.

    Special effects buffs will appreciate the dazzling lighting by professional lighting designer Richard Comfort, the sound effects by sound "wiz" Dave Weiss, the explosive pyrotechnics by magician Bill Hebert, and the special makeup by Will Meyst.

    Those who watch the Oscars just to see "who's wearing what" will be intrigued by the creative costumes by Diana Dunham.  Dancers will enjoy the dynamic dance numbers by choreographer Becky Fishelson (including the "Jitterbug" number, famous for being cut from the film version).  Music lovers will be impressed by the harmonies of Choral Director Carol Larson, as well as Pete Runde's talented pit orchestra.

    But most of all, it's just the kind of show to recapture one's childhood with a joyful look at the beloved characters we all grew up with.

    Most of us know the lyrics by heart, and will be tempted to sing along with the cast.

    Some of the "wires" may show in a local production, but "there's no place like home," so "pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."  After all, "that's how we laugh the day away in the merry old land of Oz."

    About the critic: John M. Silah has long been active in local drama and theatre.  He is the audio-visual lighting technician at Goodrich High School.

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