The Wizard of Oz at Sun Valley High School

Theater: Sun Valley High School
Show Title: The Wizard of Oz
Seen: April 5, 2008
Reviewer: Mark Hewlett

Audiences were "off to see the wizard" in Sun Valley High School's
production of "The Wizard of Oz."

"The Wizard of Oz" is based off of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel, The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz, which was most famously made into the 1939 film directed by
Victor Fleming starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. This adaptation has become
a cornerstone of modern pop culture, still known as one of the greatest
movies ever made. The stage adaptation remains very loyal to the film, with
a few alterations and additions along the way.

The classic fantasy tells the tale of Dorothy Gale (Katie Tomeo) and her
journey from her aunt and uncle's Kansas farm, across the mystical and
majestic Land of Oz. Dorothy meets many interesting friends along the way,
including the brainless Scarecrow (Erica Lauser), the heartless Tin Man
(Andrew Kelleher), and the Cowardly Lion (Tyler Campbell).

Sun Valley High School's production was highlighted by the high energy
levels of the entire large cast, which ranged from elementary school
students as the munchkins to middle and high school students as the leads.

Katie Tomeo as Dorothy delivered all of her lines clearly and with
enthusiasm. Erica Lauser, Andrew Kelleher, and Tyler Campbell each fit the
roles of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion respectively. All three
were very entertaining with their humorous portrayals and fantastic physical
comedy, rounding out the lead ensemble nicely.

Liz Kretschmer was very amusing as the cackling villain of the story, the
Wicked Witch of the West. Her nemesis Glinda, played by Danielle Japhet,
had a pleasant voice and was very believable. One of the highlights of the
musical was the ensemble made up by Andrew Taylor, Sean Cox, Nick Hickey,
and Erich Bigas as the Trees, which inhabited the forest of Oz. Every time
that they appeared on stage, they were guaranteed to have the audience
laughing.

Both sound and lighting were very consistent and effective throughout the
musical and there were never any major instances where either of them
failed. The set, while not overly elaborate, achieved its job of
transporting the audience into the mystical Land of Oz. The use of the
projection and pull-down screen at various points in the story was very
successful and creative.

Overall, Sun Valley High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" was
entertaining for people of all ages, some who grew up with the classic
story, and others who were just introduced to it.

by Mark Hewlett of Garnet Valley High School