SUNDANCE — The Wizard of Oz at Sundance’s Outdoor Amphitheater is one of their most ambitious undertakings to date. Based on the original story written by L. Frank Baum, this timeless tale is one of the most influential pieces of media in history. This adapted script by John Kane is based on the 1939 movie, with the same music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. With the weight of transporting their audience to the very well-known world of “Oz,” director Chase Grant helps this production flourish through choreography, costumes, and characterization.
The choreography by Nathan and Suzy Balser is one of the best parts of this production. While highly evocative of the original movie, the Balsers magnify the abilities of their performers to bring the dancing to a new height. For example, the entire ensemble steals the show from Dorothy when she first arrives in Munchkinland. The Munchkin multitude moves with energy, all the while maintaining a highly supported sound as they sing “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!” (Also due to the talented music direction of Korianne Johnson.) This impressive scene is what takes this production from just being another Wizard of Oz, to a special level.
However, the choreography is just one part of the “wonderful” puzzle. The performers who seamlessly dance, sing, and act are equally monumental. This is especially true of Adam Moore as Hunk/Scarecrow. Moore is never afraid to hit the ground in his role as the floppy Scarecrow, oftentimes sliding on his knees in seemingly effortless commitment to the role. Moore is matched in charm and prowess only by Max Higbee as Zeke/Cowardly Lion. Higbee’s voice is smooth and grand, but he knows how to use his impeccable comedic timing to grow his Cowardly Lion into a true hero by the end.
Stella Rose as Dorothy provides a wide-eyed, innocent version of the pig-tailed heroine. Rose is genuine in each of her interactions with the many travellers Dorothy meets along her journey, and shows a real growth in her Dorothy when she sings “Somewhere Over the Rainbow Reprise.” Jeff Sundwall as Hickory/Tin Man rounds out the four main characters with a fittingly mechanical physical performance. While Sundwall uses his physical comedy to produce laughs from the audience, his still moments allow his dynamic facial expressions to tell the story. Overall, director Chase Grant wisely utilizes the chemistry of these four actors to bring the audience on a classic journey around Oz.
Outside of the group “off to see the Wizard,” Merci Hase as Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West brings energy onto the stage from her first entrance riding a bike. With a surprisingly grounded performance, Hase’s piercing vocal deliveries and walking strides with a cat-like curved back enlarge her influence as an skalking, evil presence. When paired with Anne Blotter’s bright and bouncing Glinda the Good Witch, the two squabble like sisters. This choice, vaguely reminiscent of their characters in Wicked, often brings levity to what would be a truly terrifying battle of personalities.
The powerful presence of each of these witches is also made possible in large part due to the makeup and hair design by Shannon Hutchins. Hase is covered in green body paint, and Blotter’s face becomes bedazzled with pink glitter. Additionally, Blotter’s gigantic pink dress and voluminous blonde curl wig smartly accentuate her performance, adding to her busy, “bubbly” interpretation of Glinda.
Costume designer Spencer Potter is clearly up to the challenge to bring magic to each character, but nothing is truly as magnificent as the Tin Man’s appearance. I cannot remember the last time that a costume made my jaw drop like it did with the Tin Man. With layers of hard-shelled costume pieces, silver gloves and clothing, and detailed silver body paint, the Tin Man comes to life onstage. The costume is detailed down to the rust for his first scene and smoke coming out of his hat during “If I only Had a Heart.” This realistic costume and makeup design, paired with expertly timed metallic sound cues from stage manager Rosalynn Eardley, will make you forget that you are watching a piece of theatre and believe you are truly in Oz.
While the outdoor venue greatly aids the production’s sense of natural magic, the set design by Richard Lorig sometimes takes away from it. The set of Kansas is styled in a blue sepia, evoking a sense of the black and white monotone design from the original movie. This choice, paired with a remarkable spinning house set piece, brings charm to the stage from the beginning. However, when transporting to Oz, the large side panels are swapped out for a seemingly identical background. This, combined with some other slightly clunky transitions in Act 2, unfortunately leads to only more questions being asked about the story, instead of clarifying it.
That being said, The Wizard of Oz at Sundance Mountain Resort is a joyous adventure. In a recent interview with the director, he said that journeying to the outdoor amphitheater is a transformative experience in of itself. I agree that, similar to Dorothy’s transformative journey over the rainbow to Oz, the expedition of watching a wonderful show in the outdoors is part of what makes this experience special. The outstanding choreography, breathtaking costumes, and grounded characterization is just the cherry on top. I recommend going to see The Wizard of Oz at Sundance before it’s too late!
