Seattle Children's Theatre chose the perfect time of year to put on the beloved classic Wizard of Oz. As a kid I eagerly anticipated the annual Christmas-time television broadcast of the movie. In the instant gratification world of DVDs, the film has lost its luster for my children, but happily this production brought back that spark I associate with this magical story.
The play follows the movie closely, which is good since that's what the audience seemed to expect. I spotted little girls in the audience with Glinda-esque tiaras, sparkly red shoes and one even dressed from head to toe as Dorothy. I found myself humming along to all the familiar tunes.
As always with Seattle Children's Theatre shows, the production value of the play is high. Live music accompanies the actors. The costumes and sets are first rate. Dazzling special effects bring Dorothy's experience in the twister and Oz to life with the same effect as the Technicolor world Judy Garland steps into in the film. The only disappointment was the lack of bling on Dorothy's slippers, and her costume was a bit dull compared with the classic blue gingham in the film.
The script is filled with fun puns and the scene-stealing Cowardly Lion was my personal favorite. My kids especially enjoyed the puppet Toto and the crows that antagonize Scarecrow. The Witch of the West is deliciously wicked. She and the awe-inspiring special effects of the wizard might be a tad scary for younger kids, but my 5-year-old who usually cringes at such things loved every second. She thought the flying monkeys, which scared the stuffing out of me as a kid, were fabulous.
It is a long show, two hours with one 15-minute intermission. The time flew and with one or two exceptions, the audience was glued to the action for the entire show. Because it is such a long play, the actors do not do the usual question and answer session after the show, but they do come out to meet kids and sign programs. Be sure to bring cash for snacks and drinks at intermission. The theater has open seating, so arrive early.
Just as the twister transports Dorothy from the non-stop work of a Kansas farm to the dazzling world of Oz, this production will offer a delightful escape from holiday chaos before gently reminding you that, even with Seattle's chilly drizzly weather, there's no place like home. After all, we get to live in the Emerald City.
IF YOU GO
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St. in Seattle, located at the west entrance of Seattle Center, just north of Pacific Science Center and west of the Space Needle.
When: Now through Jan. 6. See the website or call the box office for available performance dates and times.
Admission: Tickets start at $25. Seattle Children’s Theatre recommends this production for children ages 5 and older.
Contact: 206-441-3322; www.sct.org.
Laura Spruce Wight is a Seattle-area freelance writer and mother of two.
