Brisbane review -The Popular Wizard of Oz Inspires

By Lilian Harrington 

Production: The Wizard of Oz.

Writer: L. Frank Baum,

Music and Lyrics: Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg

Background Music: Herbert Stothart

Dance and Vocal Arrangement: Peter Howard

Orchestration: Larry Wilcox

Director: Madeleine Johns

Company: Redcliffe Musical Theatre (R.M.T.)

Location: Redcliffe Entertainment Centre

Season: August 29- September 7

Who doesn’t like a good fantasy adventure? When Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, dreams of a better place to live and is about to run away from her home, with her beloved dog Toto, where she lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, after her teacher Miss Gultch, got a legal notice to have the dog taken away to be destroyed, Dorothy is caught in a bad tornado, a twister, and she lands in a fantasy land, the Land of Oz, where there is a wizard, and many strange creatures, as well a good witch  of the North, and a Wicked Witch of the West .

This 1939 American musical fantasy has provided popular family entertainment both on film and stage for many years. It has seen former film stars like Judy Garland, and others, rise to fame because of the roles they played in this ever- popular story.

Redcliffe Musical Theatre, under Director, Madeleine Johns and Musical Director, Rhonda Davidson-Irwin, with support from the Bendigo Bank, have provided good quality entertainment for families and community alike, at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. 

Rhonda, is a well -established musical educator, composer and performer herself, with a passion for La Musica Voices and work with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, as well as her work with the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Concerts, and public performances in front of royalty such as the late Queen Elizabeth, and other celebrities; her training and expertise has enabled young and emerging artists in the Redcliffe Community to grow their musical skills in this production of the Wizard of Oz.

Both adult performers and the young students from R.M. T’s, ROAR academy, organized by Madeleine, have taken part in this production. They have played many different roles in the ensemble from Munchkins, Jitter Bugs, Monkeys, and more. All colorfully costumed and in character.

There were some outstanding performances from the young cast especially, Dorothy, (Zoe Hitchcock), who is no stranger to the stage. She is a Year 12 student, who has been in the Aussie All Stars team to the USA in 2024, and has been studying at the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre. Her vocals were a delight to listen to. Playing alongside Dorothy, was the Scarecrow (Alex Holmes), who used the stage well; his well- choreographed dance routines, gymnastics and tumbling, was very effective. The lion, (Lucas Van Stram), with his impressive singing voice, had richness and depth. Tin Man (Jake Hollingsworth), supported and balanced his fellow cast with his actions and movement. Further, the Wicked Witch of the West (Dee Heath), costumed effectively, gave a compelling performance as the evil witch.

Audience attention was drawn to the detail and precision given to the special effects, props and fly’s that were used in this production. For example, there were some special lighting effects and props used to create a fire in the witch’s castle, as well as special overheads and sound effects, however, at times the sound level was higher than the spoken dialogue.

The enthusiasm and energy from the younger cast like the Mayor (Krill Yaremchencko), Coroner (Daya Sudhi) and Barrister (James Hoff), contributed positively to this production along with Toto (Buttons) the dog. It was inspiring to see young actors developing their skills to a high standard.