CLASS ACT’S “WIZARD” HAS HIDDEN STARS

(Conroe COURIER 3-05-2000 Woodlands VILLAGER 3-08-2000 )
By DAVID DOW BENTLEY III
“The People’s Critic”

The beautiful printed program was designed by Dennis Ashworth and announced that Class Act’s recent production, “The Wizard of Oz,” was dedicated to its author, L. Frank Baum, on the 100th Anniversary of the book’s publication. Surely it would have pleased Mr. Baum to see the joyous involvement of the more than 100 area youngsters who took part in director Keith Brumfield’s epic recreation of this tale based on the well-known MGM film version.

There is little reason to recount a story line that is perhaps the best known around the world. Of course the cast included Dorothy, played with vocal skill by talented Megan Kane. The Scarecrow ( Jonathan Massey ), Tinman ( Ryan Cowles ) and Lion ( Mike Dzbenski ), are my nominees for Best Body Language, Best Makeup, and Most Hilarious, respectively! And Mr. Dzbenski certainly proved his lion-like courage as he forged ahead fearlessly when the body microphone hidden in his elaborate costume became disconnected during his excellent performance of “If I Only Had the Nerve.”

And speaking of costumes, the work of Scotty Brown and Kit Bautsch created a beautifully costumed Emerald City and Munchkinland. The sets of Roger Goodfellow, Ed Gerhard and Bob Hoffmeister combined with the Scenic Artistry of Nancy Stoner to add the finishing touches to a magical world. And as for wizardry, let us not forget the excellent special effects of Dan Odom, F.B. Kern, and Ryan Cowles, the lighting of Nicholas Phillips and Mason Scholl, and the Sound Design of Alan Haigood. All combined to astound the audience during such scenes as The Tornado, The Enchanted Forest, and The Wizard’s Chamber. Some scenes were cleverly staged in a recessed box above the stage.

Conroe resident’s Hal and Patricia Hatcher attended the show with Mr. Hatcher’s tennis partner, Dot Elfert of The Woodlands. During the intermission they remarked that the orchestra (directed by Martin Van Maanen) was doing a superb job. I couldn’t agree more. From the first notes of the Overture, an off-stage Girl’s Chorus (Vocal direction by Brumfield and Jennifer Franz) did an outstanding replication of the choral work we remember from the film. Assistant Director, Kathryn Goodfellow, also assisted choreographers Tony & Laura Smith in mounting numerous large-scale production numbers like the Munchkinland sequence. This featured a rollicking “Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead,” a delightful Lullaby League ballet, the foot stomping Lollipop Guild, and perhaps the most outlandish cowboy hat in Texas on the Munchkin Mayor, sweetly played by Jessica Peters.

Other cast standouts: a wonderfully Wicked Witch of the West (Charlotte Hardin, with a death scene to challenge Margaret Hamilton’s), a marvelous Wizard (deep voiced F.B.Kern), a glittering Glinda (Kim Ogonosky), assorted Citizens of Oz, Munchkins, Crows, Trees, Winkies, Flying Monkeys, and Jitterbugs. There was a “Terrier-ific” performance as Toto by the Parnell family dog, Baxter. Additional highlights included the smoke and laser lighting in the Wizard’s Chamber, and the clever, reversible costumes that allowed a “field of poppies” to suddenly become a “field of snow.”

The utter familiarity of “Wizard” may have been a distraction at times. The show did seem overlong with the insertion of excess dialogue, unneeded song introductions, reprises, and material like the “Jitterbug Song,” which, while well done here, was dropped from the film. I’m sure it was done to maximize inclusion of the many youngsters, but I would urge a bit more trimming to tighten future productions. The flat auditorium floor made visibility a problem for some in the audience; and the acoustics gave an added reason to hope Class Act soon has its own theater. The lack of an orchestra pit had the orchestra and chorus off to the left of the stage. This upset the balance between the musicians and those onstage, and made some songs difficult to hear clearly.

But none of these problems could diminish the monumental effort and accomplishment of everyone connected with Class Act. That is why I have come to the conclusion that the many parents and production staff that have worked so tirelessly through the years are, in fact, the unsung heroes who offer such enrichment to youth throughout the area. They are the hidden stars of Class Act Productions!

E-mail comments for Mr. Bentley may be directed to: ThePeoplesCritic@earthlink.net
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