Jamie Torcellini as Cowardly Lion, Jim Walton as Scarecrow, Emily Walton as Dorothy, Shannon Stoeke as Tinman, and Nigel as Toto in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
Music Circus‘s production of The Wizard of Oz went far beyond my expectations. While I have seen the movie about a million times, and even played a riveting rendition of Dorothy in an elementary school play, I had never seen The Wizard of Oz on stage, which is why I jumped at the chance to go opening night!
This classic drew in viewers of all ages. Many were revisiting their childhood through the memories of songs like, “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” while others were meeting Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all the other fantastical characters for the first time.
Emily Walton as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
As Dorothy is yearning to get out of Kansas, she is caught up in a tornado with her loyal pup Toto and thrust into the magical land of Oz. This part of the play I watched on a monitor in the halls of the Wells Fargo Pavilion, due to my tardiness. But, what I initially thought was a bummer, turned out to be a backstage glimpse in the magic of the show.
This theatre in the round uses the halls as backstage and the aisles as part of the show, so I had to wait “backstage” until there was a lull in the play to get to my seat. I was able to watch the stage hands get some of the amazing props ready and onto the stage (like the house that falls on the Wicked Witch of the East when Dorothy first lands in Oz) and watch the adorable, vibrantly costumed munchkins (some of which were local Sacramento kids) get ready for their stage debut! I watched as Dorothy went from sepia tones to bright, sparkling colors.
Jacquelyn Piro Donovan as Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
Just as I was seated, there was a thunderous rumble and an explosion of smoke from where the Wicked Witch of the West flew onto the stage. As she devised her plans to get the ruby red slippers that were tightly fastened on Dorothy’s feet, Glinda (the good witch) started Dorothy on her journey on the yellow brick road.
While making her way to see the Wizard, who was her only hope of getting back home, Dorothy meets a flurry of fascinating friends. The brilliant orchestra leads the way as the large bricks turn bright yellow with every step Dorothy takes. First she meets the Scarecrow, who is in need of a brain, then the Tin Man in need of a heart, and finally the ever-so-delightful Cowardly Lion, all of whom skip down the yellow brick road with high hopes.
Emily Walton as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
There is magic in every scene with devilish flying monkeys, captivating poison poppies, and a hysterical apple-dropping tree. The cast did an incredible job of bringing to life one of the most beloved classics of theatre and cinema.
Emily Walton, who plays Dorothy, captures the innocence and courage that Dorothy emits throughout the show. It was Toto (real name Nigel), however, who stole the show for me. Definitely a seasoned veteran of the theatre, he showed incredible stamina and patience as he faced the scorn of the Wicked Witch and outed the Wizard, all the while licking his lips and never leaving Dorothy’s side.
The cast of The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
The Wizard of Oz plays at Music Circus until June 30, with shows Tues & Wed 7:30pm; Thurs 2pm & 8pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 7:30pm. Ticket prices are $30-$74, and five-show season subscriptions and group discounts (12+ people) are available. To purchase tickets click here, or call the Box Office at (916) 557-1999.
Upcoming shows in Music Circus season include: Show Boat (July 9-July 14), Sugar (July 23-July 28), The King and I (Aug 6-Aug 11), and Chicago (Aug 20-Aug 29). Ticketing and schedules available through the Music Circus website or by clicking here.
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