REVIEW | The Wizard of Oz, Curve Leicester
★★★★★
A musical which has indeed stood the test of time is The Wizard of Oz.
Since its MGM movie release back in 1939, the story of young Dorothy and Toto’s journey to the wonderful world of Oz has been adored by thousands. Now, this musical has a regional premiere at Curve this Christmas. Nikolai Foster’s take on this popular musical, alongside an extensive creative team, will be an opportunity to experience one of the greatest stories of all time with the people you love.
The design of this production is captivating. Colin Richmond, Douglas O’Connell, Rachael Canning and Ben Cracknell’s execution delivers a bold and striking presentation. The production relies heavily on video projections which illuminate the vast Curve space. Like other Made at Curve production, it’s all in the details and it’s done in spectacular style.
Whilst this production feels very modernistic and unique in comparison to the stagings of this story before, Nikolai Foster has kept the foundations strong. It’s bold, camp and over the top - a brilliant reincarnation! It doesn’t forget the moving story bout finding who you are. Foster has achieved a great reflection on acceptance and achieving great things in a world beyond the stage that needs this message more than ever.
George Dyer has done a spectacular job of developing a stunning musical arrangement which matches the original brilliance of Harold Arlen and E.Y.Harburg’s beloved original score. Fans of this classic musical will adore the nod to this whilst also being able to enjoy new song’s from ALW and Tim Rice that adds greater depth.
Of course, The Wizard of Oz is all about those familiar characters. Leading the way in Dorothy is Georgina Onuorah. There is no doubt that from the day it was announced, Onuorah would be sensational in this role and that she is. Her rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and ‘Already Home’ are showstoppers.
Alongside Dorothy throughout this story is her little dog, Toto, who stole the show for me. Brought to life by skilled puppeteer Ben Thompson. It is a beauty watching how he tenderly reacts to each of the characters consistently. Paul French, Giovanni Spano and Jonny Fines take on the roles of Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion. They bring their own flavour to these familiar characters in great style. Fines is particularly great as Scarecrow and got a lot of laughs from the audience.
Christina Bianco is fabulous as Glinda whereas Ellie Mitchell is powerful as the Wicked Witch. Little would you know Mitchell was the cover for this role as she stepped into those wicked shoes with ease and gave an outstanding performance with little rehearsal time.
The ensemble for this production brings dynamic and new life to popular songs with choreography from Shay Barclay. Not necessarily my favourite style of dance but his creative choices suited the modernistic direction chosen by the creative team.
Curve’s production of The Wizard of Oz is truly uplifting. In what is predicted to be a tough winter for all, this production lets us know that somewhere over the rainbow there is still some hope.
The Wizard of Oz is performing at Curve, Leicester until 8 January. Book your tickets.
