The Wizard of Oz has to be one of the most well known, well loved musicals around and when a new production is announced you find yourself wondering just how the show can be given a fresh and original new lease of life, all whilst keeping the same magic and wonder that made it so iconic and loved in the first place.
Director, Robert Hastie, and designer, Janet Bird, didn't disappoint, utilising every bit of The Crucible's thrust stage. The transformation of Kansas to Oz was a particular 'wow' monent and so very cleverly done. There were definite audible gasps coming from the audience around me.
I was especially impressed by the use of the ensemble, a constant presence on stage for most of the show, making set changes, becoming the hurricane that blows the house away and becoming munchkins, winkie slaves and roller-skating flying monkeys, amongst others, at different points throughout. The whole ensemble team helped bring that extra bit of magic to the show and helped make it as impressive as it was.
Gabrielle Brooks played Dorothy and she had just the right amount of naivety and child-like energy that makes the character so loved. Having to be the next person in a long line of actresses and singers to have sung Somewhere Over the Rainbow has to be a daunting task but Brooks does it brilliantly and effortlessly. Her voice has a pure, clear quality which exudes emotion.
Andrew Langtree, Max Parker and Jonathan Broadbent gave excellent support as Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion respectively and each brought their own take to the roles. All had excellent chemistry with Brooks, making the foursome's friendship appear strong and believable and the goodbyes at the end as Dorothy leaves to go back to Kansas were made all the more poignant.
Toto the dog though had many scene stealing moments. From the cute dog in Kansas, earning "awws" from the audience, to the bright yellow puppet Toto in Oz causing Dorothy's "we're definitely not in Kansas anymore!" exclaim. Pupperteered by Rhiannon Wallace, there were moments you actually found yourself forgetting he wasn't a real dog.
My only slight issue with this production was the lack of ruby red slippers, instead Dorothy wore two-tone red and white brogue style shoes, which didn't have quite the same effect.
However, this is a very minor complaint in a show that was full of spectacular moments. The Crucible once again has a hit on its hands and anyone who has chance to see the show before it closes on 20th January should definitely do so!
Director, Robert Hastie, and designer, Janet Bird, didn't disappoint, utilising every bit of The Crucible's thrust stage. The transformation of Kansas to Oz was a particular 'wow' monent and so very cleverly done. There were definite audible gasps coming from the audience around me.
I was especially impressed by the use of the ensemble, a constant presence on stage for most of the show, making set changes, becoming the hurricane that blows the house away and becoming munchkins, winkie slaves and roller-skating flying monkeys, amongst others, at different points throughout. The whole ensemble team helped bring that extra bit of magic to the show and helped make it as impressive as it was.
Gabrielle Brooks played Dorothy and she had just the right amount of naivety and child-like energy that makes the character so loved. Having to be the next person in a long line of actresses and singers to have sung Somewhere Over the Rainbow has to be a daunting task but Brooks does it brilliantly and effortlessly. Her voice has a pure, clear quality which exudes emotion.
Andrew Langtree, Max Parker and Jonathan Broadbent gave excellent support as Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion respectively and each brought their own take to the roles. All had excellent chemistry with Brooks, making the foursome's friendship appear strong and believable and the goodbyes at the end as Dorothy leaves to go back to Kansas were made all the more poignant.
Toto the dog though had many scene stealing moments. From the cute dog in Kansas, earning "awws" from the audience, to the bright yellow puppet Toto in Oz causing Dorothy's "we're definitely not in Kansas anymore!" exclaim. Pupperteered by Rhiannon Wallace, there were moments you actually found yourself forgetting he wasn't a real dog.
My only slight issue with this production was the lack of ruby red slippers, instead Dorothy wore two-tone red and white brogue style shoes, which didn't have quite the same effect.
However, this is a very minor complaint in a show that was full of spectacular moments. The Crucible once again has a hit on its hands and anyone who has chance to see the show before it closes on 20th January should definitely do so!