Wizard of Oz

So I found myself catapulting through Kansis aka Mandurah once more on opening night of MPAC's Wizard of Oz - haven't I been here before. Perhaps I too suffer from the bump on my head the size of an ostrich egg (Is that the bump or my head? - I'm a little confused)

I must say there definately are improvements from last time. The budget must have doubled. It's at least $4 now.

The Sets - I believe Kansis is purposely a little dull to enhance the Land of Oz. At times you had to imagine a few things here & there but that wasn't too hard. I'm sold anyhow. Lots of surprises too which I won't spoil but needless to say you have to keep your eyes peeled to capture the odd & strange detail here & there, and widen them sometimes to take it all in :lol:

The Actors - With a few new names on the bill I believe they all did really well. There's 2 Dorothy's (Jenn Wickham & Alison Hill) & insiders tell me they each have their strengths - and both are equally good to watch! I saw Jenn (Dorothy) & was nearly in tears over her dilema of losing Toto (Rusty). Even if the dog made strange transformations into a cane basket at times!

The Witch (Carole Dhu) absolutely glows with nastiness. There's so many kids there in Munchkinlad I pity the directors. The S'crow (Kim Godleman.), Tin boy (Jesse Angus) & Putty Cat (Darren Bilston) were wonderfully different from each other & captured the roles really well. Aunt Em/Glinda (Karen Godfrey)were 2 distinct characters but with the same warmth & fuzzy love. Unc' Henry (Malcolm Pratt) was certainly a father come uncle figure for her niece & wonderfully riled Miss Gultch (Carole Dhu) up at every opportunity. As the Guard he certainly was mad but a little predictable & perhaps aimed at the younger audience specifically. The Professor/Wizard (Laurence Williams) was a strange choice but only in that he was young. He held his character so well that I was completely convinced of the realism of Oz whenever he was around! All the minor leads did a great job too with Peter Rogers (Barrister/Tree/Monkey/Winkee General) stealing much of the show. Each minor lead though brought a great angle to each scene.

The Tech's - As usual with MPAC crew they've brought their magic to the fore. Lights intelligently worked out - changing the moods. Some large changes that were seeming done in no time at all. The usual opening night jitters too. Sometimes I feel that the Centre really doesn't give the boys enough time to tech rehearse as the opening night of many shows held there have issues. Opening night problems was for microphones this time. Cutting in, dropping out, interference. I heard that 2nd night went without any sound hitches AT ALL. Come on MPAC admin. Get/Let them get that quality on Opening!

The Band - It's so nice to hear the live sound. MPAC has done well in keeping I believe some professional players in their midst. It appears that it's so much easier for the cast with them in the pit. There' only 5 of them too but the lads (& a lass?) are playing so many instruments down there that there's a class to it all. Perhaps an international feeling.

It certainly made me think that with a Pro & Semi-Pro team around a cast that a local production like this one can be very convincing & thoroughly enjoyable. Go on, Go see it!