SPONSOR

Sunday, 31 January, 2010 1:02 PM

'The Wizard of Oz' is magical at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit

Photo ©Joan Marcus

Dorothy and Friends (N. Aberlin, C. Okenka, Snickers, J. Simon, C. Kind) in "The Wizard of Oz."

DETROIT -- "The Wizard of Oz" is now playing in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre through Feb. 14, 2010. The musical version of this family classic is magical. From the moment Dorothy sings "Over the Rainbow", to the tornado, to Munchkinland, the good witch Glinda, the haunted forest and on to Emerald City, it gives you the feeling that you are not in Kansas anymore.

The munchkins were performed by 12 local children from "Deborah's Stage Door" in Rochester Hills. There were chosen from auditions that took place on December 5 at the Fisher Theatre. Their stage performance and singing of "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" was part of their performing arts curriculum.

How was this different than the movie? There was a new song with jitterbugs in the haunted forest. There was theatrical haze, strobe lights and pyrotechnics. I didn't expect all of the set decorations, scene changes and the technicolor backdrop.

The costumes were fabulous, especially Glinda, the good witch of the North, along with Emerald City where everyone was dressed in green. Actually the whole set of Emerald City was green. The actors really portrayed their characters well.

The musical lasts for two hours and 30 minutes and has one intermission. There are nine scenes in the first act and nine in the second act. Each act features a performance by the orchestra in the beginning. It is directed by Nigel West and choreographed by Leigh Constantine. Tim McQuillen-Wright designed the costumes and set for "The Wizard of Oz."

Cassie Okenka plays the character of Dorothy Gale. Dusty plays Toto. Adam Jepsen plays the scarecrow and Peter Gosik plays the tinman. Jesse Coleman stars as the lion.

This timeless classic of 1939 will never be forgotten. It is a great show for audiences of all ages. I would definitely recommend it.

Ticket prices for the Detroit engagement of Wizard of Oz range from $24.00-$79.00 (inclusive of parking and facility fees) and are now on sale at the Fisher Theatre box office and all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayinDetroit.com, and by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2787. Limited premium seats will be available at the box office only. For group sales (12 or more) please call (313) 871-1132 or visit groupsales@nederlanderdetroit.com.

Click here for more information on "The Wizard of Oz" at the Fisher Theatre.

Related Story: Peter Gosik to star as the Tin Man in the 'Wizard of Oz' at the Fisher Theatre