Zenith Theatre Sparkles with Oz’s Timeless Magic in North Shore’s Enchanting and Heartfelt Production.
When: 4th – 12th April
From the moment the house lights dim, a palpable energy fills the Zenith Theatre, a testament to the dedication and passion of these young performers as they invite audiences of all ages to journey over the rainbow to experience the timeless magic of Oz. Directed by Luke Brattoni, this production is a delightful reminder of the power of storytelling and the incredible potential that flourishes within community theatre.
“North Shore Theatre Company’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ bewitches with a technicolor dreamscape, and heart-filled friendships, proving there’s no place like the local stage for pure enchantment”
“The Wizard of Oz” beautifully explores friendship, family, and overcoming flaws through Dorothy’s bond with her Oz companions and her longing for home. Cleverly mirroring her Kansas friends, these characters embody the qualities she seeks, suggesting a journey of inner desires. The cast embraced their quirks with relish, forging believable bonds that grounded the fantastical adventure in relatable human connection.
Due to Emerald cast member Sarah Elliot being ill, Ella Herdman stepped into the ruby slippers at the last minute and delivered a wonderful portrayal of Dorothy that is instantly endearing and innocent, without ever being saccharine. She sang “Over the Rainbow,” so simply and sweetly that the heartfelt emotion of the lyrics truly shone. Her performance, especially with little to no preparation, was a theatrical feat for which she was deservedly applauded.
Holly Miller brought genuine emotion to both Hickory and the Tinman’s yearning for a heart, delivering a very sweet rendition of the latter – a role sometimes challenging as the trio’s ‘straight man’. Her entertaining “If I Only Had a Heart” solo was a highlight, as was her clever improvisation when a “part” fell off, showcasing her quick wit.
Alexander Whitbourn’s Hunk/Scarecrow brings his iconic lack of brain to life with a fresh, never overdone physicality, often punctuated by a big goofy smile with a twinkle of sly mischief that perfectly matched his fluid, seemingly boneless movements.
Peter Hellier’s Zeke and Cowardly Lion found the perfect balance of bluster and vulnerability, very much channeling Bert Lahr’s iconic portrayal from the 1939 movie to great effect. His wonderful rendition of “If I Were King of the Forest” particularly captured the character’s bravado and underlying timidity.
Andrea Ginsberg as Glinda was a vision of ethereal grace, boasting lovely diction and a commanding yet benevolent stage presence, a contrast nicely highlighted by the portrayal of her Aunty Em, who was firm and no-nonsense but clearly loving.
Steadfast and present, Raul-Xavier Garcia was fully engaged in his roles as both the Guard and Uncle Henry, and the comical door scene in Oz, featuring his character, was a definite highlight.
Joe Walsh offered a charming portrayal of the Wizard, artfully navigating the character’s contrasting personas: the booming, god-like illusion and the surprisingly ordinary man pulling the strings behind the curtain. He also cleverly doubled as Professor Marvel, employing distinct vocal inflections to differentiate between the “mystic” and the more sly artifice of the charming charlatan.
With fabulous characterisation and voice work, Alicia Benson clearly relished the wickedness of the Witch of the West, fearlessly chewing up the scenery with gusto and delivering a performance that was both deliciously malevolent and surprisingly funny at times. Judging by the slightly terrified but utterly glued expressions of a few little faces, it was the kind of portrayal that etches itself into childhood memories (and maybe a few wonderfully wicked nightmares).
Of course, everyone instantly fell in love with Mr. Bach, a five-year-old Havanese who played Toto. Proving that the real star of the show doesn’t need a single line – just impeccable sit-stay skills and the occasional strategic tail wag – nothing fazed him, not even the tornado scene. A true professional, he took it all in stride and, yes, he undeniably stole the show.
The ensemble, brimming with young cast members perhaps experiencing their first taste of the stage, infused the production with a lovely, infectious energy and a vibrant atmosphere that truly brought the stage to life. Rachael Hyland’s choreography beautifully showcased these performers’ talents and the magical places Dorothy visits.
Kristin Kok’s colourful costumes of Oz sharply contrasted with the muted tones of Kansas, visually emphasising Dorothy’s journey from a drab reality to a vibrant fantasy world. This deliberate choice in palette effectively highlighted the transformative power of Oz and the shift in Dorothy’s experience.
The set design, effectively utilised the stage space, providing ample room for the large cast and the energetic dance numbers. The projection of swirling cyclone imagery onto a scrim, coupled with dynamic lighting, created a visually striking and atmospheric transition to the Land of Oz.
The strong vocal performances throughout the production were a genuine pleasure, often echoing the beloved melodies and emotional delivery of the classic film, creating a comforting sense of familiarity while showcasing the impressive talent of the cast. Iconic numbers like “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and the celebratory “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” had everyone tapping their feet and even humming along, fully immersed in the musical journey down that famous path.
We love “The Wizard of Oz” so much because its beautiful story of home, friendship, and courage, coupled with its iconic music, vibrant fantasy world, and memorable characters. It continues to delight audiences, generation after generation. Since 1951, North Shore Theatre Company’s enduring presence has been built on a commitment to quality community theatre, fostering local talent and consistently delivering productions that resonate with audiences. With a technicolor dreamscape and heart-filled friendships, “The Wizard of Oz” delivers this in spades, proving there’s no place like the local stage for pure enchantment.
See https://www.northshoretheatrecompany.org/wizard-of-oz-2025 for ticketing and details.
Photo Credit: Yingying Zhang