JADAR

★★★☆☆

It seems that in Hollywood during the classical period, every classic movie was accompanied by a classic song. Even if the young audiences are not very familiar with the story of The Wizard of Oz, they must have heard the popular music in the movie at many moments… Over the Rainbow.

Indeed, adapting a well-known story into a musical, building on the well-received previous movies, generally ensures that the narrative and plot development are solid, as they rely on a beloved and familiar storyline. The familiarity helps the audience quickly immerse themselves in the plot, enjoying the performance without worrying about keeping up with the story’s progression.

However, making such a production not only retelling the old tale but also infusing it with unique flair and innovation is not an easy task. The production team faces the challenge of maintaining the original charm while injecting new creativity and a modern feel to invigorate the classic story.

The performances of the actors were definitely a major highlight, contributing significantly to the enchantment and allure of the musical. The cast, led by Jason Manford as the Cowardly Lion, Aston Merrygold as the Tin Man, and The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of the West, brought remarkable energy and charisma to the stage.

Jason Manford’s portrayal of the Cowardly Lion was particularly noted for its comedic brilliance and warmth, making a classic character freshly appealing. His ability to balance humour with moments of tenderness added a rich layer to the production. Known for her striking presence and charismatic performances, The Vivienne’s portrayal is both vibrant and compelling, infusing the iconic character with a fresh, modern twist while still honouring the essence that fans expect.

Also, Aviva Tulley is one of my favourite actresses for sure. Her voice perfectly interprets Dorothy’s innocence and courage, but you can also hear that she is a perfectly trained musical actress with rich experience. Her voice is so versatile that I didn’t realise I had seen her performance as Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon played.

While the actors’ performances in The Wizard of Oz were commendable, a truly exceptional musical often demands more in terms of stage design and soundtrack. To me, the staging appeared somewhat simplistic, with numerous scene changes and even the musical’s opening relying heavily on video elements, which could come across as slightly perfunctory.

Additionally, the character of Toto, a key figure in the narrative, was represented by a puppet. Despite the puppeteer’s (Abigail Matthews) high skill level, making Toto quite lifelike, it was slightly distracting to see the puppeteer at work, which could momentarily pull one out of the story. Moreover, at times, some sound effects were overly loud and abrupt, creating a sense of shock rather than an immersive auditory experience. While the orchestra performed with great fervour, there were moments when their coordination with the singers seemed somewhat unpolished.

Overall, The Wizard of Oz is an engaging and successful musical, despite some aspects of the stage setting that might not meet everyone’s expectations. The inherent charm of the fairy tale itself is enough to captivate audiences. As someone who still enjoys fairy tales as an adult, you might find that they often carry simple yet profound endings.

In this musical, the enduring theme of family is beautifully highlighted. After her fantastical adventures, Dorothy realises that family is the warmest harbour. Also, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man each receive tokens that symbolise the virtues they sought throughout their journey. The Lion, in search of courage, is awarded a medal. The Scarecrow, in his quest for intellect, receives a PhD degree. And the Tin Man, who longs for a heart, is given a red heart playing card. These symbols serve as a profound and somewhat ironic commentary on human nature: sometimes, the qualities we tirelessly seek are already within us, made evident through our experiences rather than external validation. The journey itself, not the symbols, cultivates these inherent virtues, underscoring that our most important discoveries are about ourselves.

The musical echoes the timeless song, suggesting that over the rainbow lies a land where the skies are blue, and dreams do come true. It conveys a powerful message: with hope and the courage to pursue freedom, one doesn’t need to look beyond the rainbow. Instead, we can build a home filled with love and tolerance right where we are. This message resonates deeply, reminding us of the values of home and the strength of self-realisation.

The Wizard of Oz runs at Palace Theatre Manchester until May 5 and tours the UK until August 11, ahead of a West End transfer at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from August 15 to September 8. The cast varies by venue so, should you wish to see a certain actor, be sure to check cast information before booking.

Photo: Marc Brenner