The Wizard of Oz - A Resounding Success - A Review by the NSTA

As an NSTA representative, I had the great pleasure of attending the St Edward’s School production of The Wizard of Oz on Sunday 9th February 2025, at the packed Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. The audience was full of anticipation, and the front of house was buzzing with excitement. Under the direction of Miriam Monk, with choreography by Ellie and Alexa, and musical direction by Nicola Dobson, the production showcased the talent of a diverse cast, ranging in age.

The Wizard of Oz follows the journey of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. There, she embarks on an adventure to find the Wizard, hoping he can help her return home. Along the way, she befriends three companions: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, each seeking something from the Wizard as well. Together, they face challenges and confront the Wicked Witch of the West, ultimately discovering that they had the power to achieve their goals all along. Dorothy’s journey is a tale of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, teaching her that "there’s no place like home”.

From the moment the curtain rose, the atmosphere of this school production of The Wizard of Oz was enchanting. We were transported into the heart of Oz with vibrant lighting designed by William, which was well executed with appropriate use of light to enhance the storytelling, like the mottled lighting/gobos for the yellow brick road. His lighting added value to the visual experience without overwhelming the production. The scene transitions were smooth, with the iconic tornado scene creatively depicted through swirling lights, set movement, and two excellent tornado dancers. Munchkinland was particularly charming due to the ensemble’s acting and their lovely costumes. There was a whimsical feel that captured the land’s magical essence. The design elements evoked a dreamlike quality that perfectly matched the fantastical journey Dorothy undertakes. A highlight was the hot air balloon sequence at the end as Dorothy returned home, aided by the ensemble.

The opening act was filled with energy and set the tone for the rest of the performance. Dorothy’s Kansas world felt warm and familiar, yet also tense with the arrival of Miss Gulch, while the ensemble’s strong performances provided an engaging backdrop. As Dorothy’s home is swept away by the tornado, the shift to Oz was dramatic, marking a clear contrast in tone and setting. The cast's enthusiasm and commitment to their roles immediately captured the audience’s attention, and the transition from Kansas to Oz was seamless and slick. The opening number, “Over the Rainbow,” was performed with sincerity and poignancy by Phoebe, drawing the audience into Dorothy’s longing for something more than her ordinary life.

The performances of the lead cast were memorable and emotionally engaging. Dorothy, played by Phoebe, delivered a heartfelt and earnest performance, embodying the innocence and determination of the character with charm. The performances of the three companions were equally impressive. Luis as the Scarecrow brought an infectious energy to his role, infusing his character with both humour and vulnerability. Nathanael’s Tin Man, with his smooth movements and heartfelt delivery of “If I Only Had a Heart,” captured the character’s emotional depth perfectly. Caitlyn, as the Cowardly Lion, struck the perfect balance of comic timing and genuine pathos. Toto, Dorothy’s loyal companion, conveyed through both puppetry and Florence, also deserves mention for an interesting and creative way of bringing the character to life. The relationship between the main cast was both moving and humorous.

The supporting cast was equally strong, with several standout performances. Ivy, as Glinda the Good Witch, brought sparkle and grace to the role, exuding warmth and wisdom. Emilia’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch was outstanding and suitably menacing; her characterisation was fabulous, and she delivered a memorable performance that commanded attention every time she appeared on stage. Joana, as Aunty Em, gave a poignant and heartfelt performance, particularly in her scenes with Dorothy. The fabulous Optimistic Voices—Isabella and Leila—popped up in many scenes, bringing a ‘50s movie star quality with their Big Band microphone, leading many of the songs from their position downstage right. The ensemble’s contributions were also notable, with the Munchkins, the citizens of Oz, and the brilliant dancers providing delightful support in many scenes, helping to create the vibrant world Dorothy navigates on her journey to and from Oz.

The choreography throughout was upbeat and filled with spirit. The dances in Munchkinland were well-coordinated and fun, adding to the light-hearted feel of Oz. The performance of the Winkie Guards, the Crows/Apple Trees, Winged Monkeys, Jitterbugs, and the Tornado dance were all perfectly delivered. The singing was expertly directed, and the Year 7 choir blended well with the ensemble. The iconic songs, including ‘Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead’ and ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard,’ were spectacular showcases both in terms of choreography and vocals.

Overall, this production of The Wizard of Oz was a delightful nostalgic experience for those who remember the fi lm version, capturing the heart of the beloved classic. It also tapped into the excitement surrounding the recent successful release of Wicked. The dedication of the cast and crew was evident in every scene, and their passion for bringing Oz to life was infectious. This was a heartwarming success, and the audience left the show with smiles on their faces. Well done to all involved!