I just wanted to give you a little background on our upcoming concert –Our daughter, Chelsey,  has always wanted to work overseas helping in Third World countries.  She has earned a degree in Anthropology and certification in Emergency Management in order to pursue that goal.  However, she also has auto-immune diseases and therefore extended trips overseas are not possible. She is now back at university completing a graduate program in social work. After researching different charities, she decided on Friends of the Orphans Canada. It is volunteer-driven, based in Woodstock, and helpers are needed at orphanages for two weeks to give the regular workers a break. So last year, Chelsey went to the Dominican Republic and this year she is going to Peru. She has extensive experience with children with developmental and physical disabilities, and she will be helping out with special needs kids.

Our son, Thomas, on the other hand, has always wanted to be an entertainer. When he was only 3, he would make us sit on the grass, while he climbed on top of the picnic table to sing and dance for us. Around the house, Thomas is apt to burst into song at any given moment – which can be a bit disconcerting since he has a very loud musical theatre belting voice. As sisters do, Chelsey has complained about his loud, impromptu songs startling her or even waking her up. So she was really pleased when he offered to put his voice to good use and present a benefit concert.

Thomas graduated from Sheridan College’s musical theatre program in 2009, and has been employed fairly steadily as a performer ever since – as much as a stage actor in Canada can be. Last summer he was Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, at Huron Country Playhouse if you happened to see that show. He has worked at the Playhouse frequently – he was also Mordred in Camelot there – and then Camelot was sold to a Broadway company and went on tour – they did 100 shows in 88 cities in 35 states and 2 provinces. It was fun when they came back here and spent 2 days at the JLC in London. Last winter he did White Christmas in Winnipeg and then this year, he choreographed White Christmas at the Palace Theatre in London. On Tuesday night they held an awards ceremony – it’s the “Oscars” for live theatre in London and he won the award for best choreographer. Coming up next he’s going to be at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax.

Most of us would find it a tough life – on Mondays, he goes to auditions in Toronto and sometimes he travels to New York, faces rejection, never knows when he’ll find work next, and then when he gets a job, he packs his suitcase and heads off – but he absolutely loves it. At the concert, Thomas will be performing Broadway hits from old favourites like Camelot or Brigadoon, and also songs from newer shows like Wicked.

Our other entertainer at the concert is Michael Vanhevel. We heard this young man sing last fall at Oakwood Inn in Grand Bend, and we were amazed. He just turned 20, but he has a rich, smooth melodic voice way beyond his years. He is a crooner and sings Frank Sinatra – songs like New York, New York, or My Way – which actually brought a lump to my throat. I also love his rendition of Bobby Darin’s Mack the Knife, or my personal favourite, Beyond the Sea. He is presenting a concert with a full orchestra at the Imperial Theatre in Sarnia on February 10. This young man is going places; he has a voice better than Michael Bublé’s. Please come to our concert and hear him, because then you’ll be able to say “I heard Michael Vanhevel before he was famous.”

We are truly grateful for the talents these young people possess – as Thomas says, “Chelsey is going to save the world, while I sing and dance.”

The concert is this Saturday, January 28, 2:00 p.m. at Strathroy United Church, and it will be repeated at Forest United Church at 7:00 p.m. Please come and bring your friends.

Who? Singers Thomas Alderson and Michael Vanhevel — Thomas sings Broadway Show Tunes and Michael croons Rat Pack Hits.

What? “Show Tunes & Croons” Benefit Concert

When? Saturday, January 28, 2012 – 2:00 p.m. in Strathroy, 7:00 p.m. in Forest

Where? Strathroy United Church, 131 Front Street West, at Maria Street in Strathroy (2:00 p.m.)
                    Forest United Church, 21 James Street North, at Jefferson Street in Forest (7:00 p.m.)

Why? Free Will Offering to raise funds for Chelsey Alderson’s mission trip to an orphanage in Peru. Chelsey is a volunteer with Friends of the Orphans Canada , www.fotocan.org, and will be working with special needs children.  FOTOCan works closely with Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) orphanages, www.nph.org, founded by Father Wm. Wasson.

How?

Thomas Alderson is a professional actor/singer/dancer whose credits include Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying at Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend and Mordred in a North American tour of Camelot, Tommy in The Music Man and Moody in Anne of Green Gables at the Capital Theatre, Port Hope; Charlie Dalrymple in Brigadoon, Gordon Schwinn in A New Brain, Gypsy and 110 in the Shade at Theatre Sheridan, as well as Hairspray and High School Musical with Drayton Entertainment, White Christmas at Manitoba Theatre Centre, four High School Projects at London’s Grand Theatre, and various productions with London Musical Theatre, Bluewater Musicals and Theatre Sarnia. Thomas grew up near Grand Bend and now divides his time between Toronto and Strathroy. A graduate of the Music Theatre Program at Sheridan College, Thomas won both the Triple Threat and the Academic Awards. He is also a graduate of H. B. Beal Secondary School’s musical theatre program in London.

Michael Vanhevel of Grand Bend is a popular entertainer singing the old favourites in Rat Pack Style. A big fan of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and other great crooners, Michael is well on his way to being the next Michael Bublé. With a smooth, melodic voice beyond his 20 years, he enthrals crowds wherever he goes. He entertains regularly at Oakwood Inn, Gables and other venues in Grand Bend and throughout the area. On February 10, Michael will be presenting a concert “Come Fly with Me” at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia (call the box office 877-344-7469 for tickets). Michael studied Performance at Sheridan College and is a graduate of North Lambton Secondary School in Forest, where he literally sang his valedictory address.

Written by Dan Needles
Directed by Douglas Beattie
Performed by Rod Beattie, Tim Campbell, Adrienne Gould, Douglas E. Hughes.
Grand Theatre, London
January 17 to February 4, 2012
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

Advice for Living in Port Petunia

If you leave Walt Wingfield’s farm and drive across Persephone Township, you’ll head straight into Port Petunia and see Ed’s Garage along the lakeshore. At Ed’s Garage, you get much more than an oil change. If you’re lucky, Nick will offer you the Gold Package, where you get an oil change, a check up for your pick up truck, and a check up that will pick you up. Comedy is included with the psychoanalysis at no extra change.

Ed’s a former farmer – thanks to the tough economy, he’s now a garage owner, and faux farmer for income tax purposes. With help from his sidekick, Nick, Ed repairs trucks, tractors, boat motors and anything else that needs fixing, including the residents of Port Petunia. Nick recognizes Ed’s skills in social work, and books appointments accordingly. When Peter, a young man frustrated with municipal red tape loses his temper with the compliance officer, he shows up at Ed’s Garage for anger management training. In fact, his appointment is with the pretty, new psychoanalyst next door, but Ed launches into a session with Peter, because that’s what he does. Comedy results when the citified psychoanalyst is introduced to life in Port Petunia.

By the time the mistaken identity is uncovered, there are other twists in the plot including a re-enactment of the war of 1812. But of course, it all results in a happy ending with the requisite romance.

After seeing Rod Beattie perform in all the Wingfield plays, where he handles so many roles himself, (who else can have a sex change just by raising his eyebrows?), it seems a little odd to see Rod play just one part. At times he is reserved and tentative as Ed, without the gusto we saw in his multi-role shows. Is he trying too hard to not be a Wingfield character? If Ed is indeed the guy that everyone in town comes to for advice, then he needs to show a little more confidence and assertiveness.

Douglas E. Hughes is a delight as Nick – the former municipal official who decided it is better to join Ed than try to beat him. Much of the humour comes from his good natured comments.

Tim Campbell is good as the smitten country boy in need of counselling, while Adrienne Gould as Cassandra, the city girl psychoanalyst, offers the contrast in the city vs. country comedy.

The set is remarkable – the rusty old garage, complete with the handy bulletin board and a map of the town looks just like something you’d see in small town along Lake Huron’s shoreline. The old Evinrude motor with a mind of its own makes one nostalgic for the good old days, and the two Muskoka chairs look very inviting.

Costumes are realistic, except for one comment – Cassandra says she can’t go out into the cow pasture because she’s wearing sandals. Please, those are wedge espadrilles

The dialogue, typical of Dan Needles, is clever and witty. Ed’s therapy techniques are hilarious. His monologue on the menace presented by the big round bale is probably his best moment in the show, garnering spontaneous applause on opening night.

Over all, it has all the humour of the Wingfield play, but it may just take a little time for Beattie and the audience to get used to having others share his stage.

Ed’s Garage continues at the Grand Theatre, London until February 4. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com.

Warm up your winter by making plans for summer theatre!

The Wizard of Oz comes to HCP

This summer, the greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz, is touching down in Grand Bend! Venture down the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and faithful dog Toto during their epic journey to find the mighty Wizard who can send them home. Munchkins of all ages will be enchanted from June 4th through June 23rd.

Next up, audiences will be treated to a brand new production in Drayton Entertainment’s popular Legends series. Backed by an all-star orchestra, Big Band Legends is a high-octane show that honours the greatest crooners and songbirds of our time, from Bing Crosby to Michael Bublé. It features a spectrum of hits that have dominated the charts for the past 80 years with orchestrations and arrangements by the big band legend himself, Howard Cable; June 27th through July 14th.

After a sold out run last season, the King returns for one week only! Get ready to swivel your hips to the rockin’ music of Elvis Presley with Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King. Relive a jukebox of classics including, “Love Me Tender”, “Hound Dog”, “Suspicious Mind”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and many more in this energetic tribute; July 17th through July 21st.

An instant sensation on Broadway, 9 To 5: The Musical is an all-new musical comedy based on the classic motion picture that features the blockbuster title song, plus an exciting score of 18 original numbers penned by the iconic Dolly Parton. Don’t miss this hilarious story of friendship, female empowerment, and revenge; July 25th through August 11th.

To close the season, Annie will capture the hearts of audiences young and old. Brimming with memorable music and magical moments, this story about a darling orphan with an irrepressible spirit is a family favourite the world over; August 15th through September 1st.

Playhouse II, Grand Bend

All’s fair in love – and murder – in the screwball suspense-comedy Murder at Oakwood Resort*. Set in an inconspicuous hotel room on Lake Huron , this twisted tale about a love triangle between a ditzy wife, her serious husband, and their buffoon dentist will leave you screaming bloody murder by the time the curtain falls on the final witty line; June 12th through June 23rd. 

*Previously titled Murder at the Howard Johnson’s & Murder at the Best Western

There’s no doubt that audiences will be delighted by the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Harvey . A classic comedy about dignity, self-respect and loyalty, the story centres upon Elwood P. Dowd and his mythical friend – a six-foot tall rabbit named Harvey . This inspiring tale will charm audiences with its warmth, wit … and yes, whiskers; June 26th through July 14th.

Then it’s a long and hilarious trip to the altar in the matrimonial comedy Perfect Wedding. When the groom-to-be wakes up with a dreadful hangover on the morning of his wedding day to find an unknown – and unclothed – woman in his bed, it’s clear that wedded bliss is not on the agenda. Say “I DO!” to a lifetime of love, laughter and lunacy; July 18th through July 28th.

Escape for a weekend of laughs in Norm Foster’s humorous tale of brotherly love, The Melville Boys. Owen and Lee are ready for a relaxing guy’s getaway but, their plans are thrown for a loop when they meet two attractive sisters who unwittingly change their agenda – and their perspective on life; August 1st through August 11th.

To end the season, enter the golden age of country music with Johnny & June, a nostalgic tribute to the Man in Black and his talented wife, June Carter. Each classic song is reborn in this musical walk down memory lane including their Grammy Award-winning duet “Jackson”, along with “Folsum Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and many more; August 15th through September 1st.

Musical Revue by Howard Pechet & Timothy French
Directed and Choreographed by Timothy French
Musical direction by Michael Lerner
Performed by Troy Adams, Karen Andrew, Tafari Anthony, Andrew Broderick, Louise Camilleri, Aadin Church, Saccha Dennis, Teresa Holierhoek, Rob James, Jivaro Smith
Stage West, Mississauga
November 24, 2011 to February 5, 2012
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

Golden Oldies from Motown Gold

Anyone who grew up in Southwestern Ontario in the sixties and seventies listened to one radio station: CKLW, The Big 8, in Windsor. And although it was a Canadian station, it served the Detroit market first – commercials were all Detroit car dealers, and the news was about the violence in Detroit (its name had become Murder City instead of Motor City), and yet, we Canadian kids listened loyally. This was in the years before the Canadian content laws on radio, and CKLW did not have a beaver pile of Canadian 45s. And so, we heard mostly Motown: We knew every Supremes hit.

So for me, going to see Motown Gold at Stage West in Mississauga was a big nostalgia trip. A total of 64 songs takes the audience down memory lane. A cast of 10  amazing singers (six men, four women) perform all the great Motown hits and provide brief history lessons between songs. We hear about Berry Gordie who started Tamla Records in the fifties, and had his team of writers and talented singers in a ramshackle house called Hitsville USA, The Motor City Sound – which of course, morphed into Motown. Early singers were Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.

The hits continue with The Temptations, The Four Tops and The Supremes. Every song is familiar: My Girl, Baby Love, Get Ready, You Can’t Hurry Love, I Hear a Symphony, I’ll Be There, Stop in the Name of Love, and the big hit I’m Gonna Make You Love Me.

Act II opens with The Jackson 5, and a neat story with a Canadian connection. It was a soul group called Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers, from yes, you guessed it, Vancouver, that first heard The Jackson 5. Taylor had signed with Motown Records, and introduced the Jacksons to Berry Gordie in 1969. From the Jackson 5, the show moves on to Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Commodores & Lionel Ritchie, Motown Disco, New Motown and the big finale, Stevie Wonder, followed by a powerful rendition of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

All 10 cast members are strong with rich, powerful voices. In particular, I enjoyed seeing Karen Andrew and Andrew Broderick perform again – they  both appeared in Hairspray in Grand Bend and St. Jacobs earlier this year. Andrew is incredible as a young Michael Jackson, complete with an oversized Afro and a suede vest with long fringe. He has boyish charm singing I Want You Back and ABC.  Karen is an amazing dancer, and together with Saccha Dennis, performs the emotional show-stopper Midnight Train to Georgia.

This show is pure entertainment offering up a full encyclopedia of Motown music and fun facts. Take time to enjoy the buffet dinner theatre, and book a suite at Stage West: it’s a great mini vacation.

Motown Gold continues in dinner theatre at Stage West, Mississauga until February 5. For tickets, including nightly dinner or Sunday brunch, and hotel room packages, contact 1-800-263-0684 or www.stagewest.com

Here’s to more great theatre in 2012!

Bryan Fenkart as Huey

Book & Lyrics by Joe DiPietro
Music & Lyrics by David Bryan
Directed by Christopher Ashley
Musical production by Christopher Jahnke
Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo
Performed by Bryan Fenkart and Felicia Boswell et al.
Toronto Centre for the Arts, Toronto
December 6 to 24, 2011
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

In the Centre of the Radio Dial

Even though it’s based on a true story of a Memphis disc jockey in the 1950s, the musical Memphis is truly original. The high energy cast, witty dialogue and music combining rhythm and blues and rock and roll make it easy to see why the show won the Best Musical Tony award on Broadway in 2010.

Currently playing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, the show is selling out quickly to very appreciative audiences.

The story starts with Huey Calhoun (based on real life DJ Dewey Phillips) visiting an all-black night club, where he’s not welcome. Huey, enjoying the music, becomes a regular and some of the patrons and staff learn to trust him. Huey finagles a job as a radio DJ, and plays the back music, scandalizing his employer. But they soon learn that the young whites love the “race” music and Huey’s program, in the centre of the radio dial, becomes very popular, with his nonsensical catch-phrase “Hockadoo!”

Huey falls in love with a beautiful black singer, Felicia, and fulfills his promise of getting her voice on the radio. But she is beaten by white vigilantes for being seen with a white man, their relationship going against the norms and even the laws of the day. Huey hosts a TV show with all black dancers – and he is given the chance to have a national program if he drops his dancers and changes to white dancers. But Huey remains loyal to his cast, and also to his city, singing about his love of Memphis. In the meantime, Felicia’s popularity grows and she moves to New York for a recording deal. Huey refuses to go with her, even though they could be open about their relationship if the lived in the north.

A love story fraught with prejudice and racism is developed through the use of music and we are living the creation of rock and roll. “Rock and roll is just Negro blues sped up,” we are told.

Bryan Fenkart is very good as Huey. We travel the journey with him, starting as a young idealist who refuses to see colour differences, to his coming of age and coming back even after the harsh reality beats him down.

Felicia Boswell is excellent as Felicia. She has a rich, powerful voice and the variety of songs – rhythm and blues, gospel, ballad and rock – allows her to show off her impressive range.

The audience loves Julie Johnson who plays Huey’s mother with attitude.  Her powerful voice offered great emotion. 

The script is written by Joe DiPietro, known for his humour in plays such as Over the River and Through the Woods, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. His witticisms are evident throughout Memphis, but he also knows how to pull our heartstrings with the doomed, cross-race love story.

The vocals and dance are excellent, the story is well-told and it is easy to see how this show took the best musical Tony. Certainly well worth the trip to Toronto, or even New York.

Memphis continues at the Toronto Centre for the Arts (formerly the North York Centre), which is easy to find – just a few blocks north of the 401 on Yonge Street. There’s underground parking as well as a parking lot in back. For tickets, call Dancap at 416-644-3665 or go online to www.dancaptickets.com.

By Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Heather Davies
Musical direction by Ryan De Souza
Choreographed by Kerry Gage
Performed by Alessia Lupiano, Kyle Golemba, Rebecca Poff, Steven Gallagher, et al.
The Grand Theatre, London
November 23 to December 31, 2011 **Held over to January 7, 2012
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

When a Fairy Tale Comes to Life

The classic fairy tale, Cinderella, comes to life on the Grand’s stage, and it looks just as you had always pictured it in your mind. Sets are lively and colourful and costumes are extravagant and beautiful. The story is true to the fairy tale with some humour thrown in. This production keeps children enthralled and adults interested.

Set designer Bill Layton describes the set as a delightful mix of Art Nouveau, Baroque stage design, European folk art, early French Impressionism and a smattering of magic. In this case, the magic is the best feature – with a pumpkin travelling around the stage, which transforms into a golden coach. The show opens on the main street of a quaint French village, reminiscent of the opening scene in Beauty and the Beast. Other magic includes human-sized adorable mice, a cuddly giant kitty cat, and proud, prancing horses!

Costumes are equally delightful: it’s a mix of modern and traditional fairy tale. Prince Chris (AKA Prince Charming) shows up incognito in a leather jacket with a scarf tossed around his neck, but later appears at the ball in proper prince attire. The mean stepmother goes shopping in her leopard fur coat, beehive hair-do, and Jackie Kennedy sunglasses, but later also dresses fairy-tale style for the historic ball.

The humour of the show comes from two characters – Jenny Hall as Joy, one of the ugly stepsisters and Steven Gallagher as Lionel, the Prince’s steward. Both these actors have superb comedic timing and provide laugh out loud moments every time they’re on stage. Hall is hilarious as she tries to cram her foot into the tiny glass slipper and as she bickers with her sister Grace played perfectly by Jennifer Stewart.

Gallagher sets the tone for fun with his song “The Prince is Giving a Ball”. His handling of the flirtatious step-mother, played by Susan Henley, is hilarious. Henley also supplies laughs as she hyperventilates about getting her daughters married off. She imparts her wisdom to her two ugly daughters, such as “Money doesn’t grow on trees, it’s inherited.”

New to the stage, Alessia Lupiano is a sweet little Cinderella, and Kyle Golembo as the Prince brings his charming good looks.

Rebecca Poff is a Fairy Godmother with attitude, and her rich singing voice is wonderful. Keith Savage as the King keeps us amused as he is trying to fit into his formal clothes for the ball. Robin Hutton as the Queen is delightful – she’s just another mother trying to find the right date for her son.

Credit for putting this fairy tale package together goes to director Heather Davies and choreographer Kerry Gage. It was so much fun to see all the little girls in the audience dressed in princess gowns and sparkling tiaras. This amazing spectacle will be one they always remember.

Cinderella continues at the Grand Theatre, London until December 31. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com.

From the book by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Lorna Wright and Nicholas Hune-Brown
Directed by Tracey Flye
Musical direction by Steve Thomas
Choreographed by Mark Kimelman
Performed by Dan Chameroy, Jessica Holmes, Elicia MacKenzie, Yvan Pedneault, Ross Petty, Kyle Blair, Eddie Glen, Steve Ross et al.
The Elgin Theatre, Toronto
November 25, 2011 to January 6, 2011
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

“A Wickedly Wacky Family Musical”

If you’re a Wizard of Oz fan, you need to pay close attention to Ross Petty’s panto version, now on stage at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre. It strays away from L. Frank Baum’s book and wanders far from the Judy Garland movie version. It even makes the Broadway prequel, Wicked, seem ordinary.

Dorothy isn’t from Kansas anymore. In fact, she’s from Toronto – she’s a dedicated snowboarder and one tough girl who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Which makes it difficult to be carried away to the Land of Oz, but she is totally surrounded by fools.

Those fools include Air Farce’s Jessica Holmes as Splenda the Good Witch. Holmes is hilarious as the narrator/hostess with a speech impediment. She also showed her improv skills in the production I saw, when she had to deal with an extra child who arrived on stage uninvited.

On Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, she’s met not by Munchkins, but by Aussies, of course. (Turns out, the Munchkins are all the kids in the audience.) The Aussies, according to script, are just a bunch of ethnic stereotypes in the Land of Oz

This production has the tin man doubling as a miner who is also Dorothy’s love interest. For Toronto theatre fans, this reunites Elicia Mackenzie and Yvan Pedneault who starred together in Rock of Ages. Mackenzie became well known when she won the TV show “How do you solve a problem like Maria” and took the lead role in the Sound of Music. Pednault starred in the Queen show, We Will Rock You.

Stratford actor Dan Chameroy reprises his role as Plumbum, a character he’s played in past pantos. Here Plumbum is Dorothy’s super cool Aunt, who is carried to Oz from Toronto in an outhouse. Another panto favourite is Eddie Glen who plays the Wizard. He’s a cross between Ozzy Osborne and Austin Powers, and as funny as Mike Myers.

Kyle Blair is a wonderfully brainless Scarecrow named Fig Newton. Blair delights with his shaky legs, tumbling about the stage while Steve Ross is excellent as the cowardly Lion.

The annual Christmas panto is the brain child of producer Ross Petty, who also plays the villain each year. The audience loves to hate him and he relishes the boos and hisses that come his way. Petty’s been putting on the panto for 16 years, taking a favourite familiar story, and making it strange and funny. This year, he is the evil Wicked Witch of the West, plotting and scheming against Dorothy.

Petty also gives more brand name promotion to their sponsors than most theatre productions. In fact, the shows characters promote the sponsors in filmed commercials that are projected on the big screen – and these are just as funny as the show. Aunt Plumbum and Dorothy go shopping at Sears with their Mastercard, and the Scarecrow and Lion spend the night in luxury at the Royal York. Later Eddie Glen explains how he makes a living delivering the Toronto Star between shows. Glen pitches the newspaper with great accuracy at the Wicked Witch. We also see Dorothy and her friends romping through Lowes as she plans her home renovations. Toto and the Lion enjoy a drink of water from the convenient Lowes toilet bowls.

The show includes absolutely none of the familiar Wizard of Oz songs, but instead the cast rocks out today’s pop music.

It’s a Toronto-based show and pokes fun at some Toronto icons. For example, when Mayor Rob Ford is carried away in a blizzard, the audience cheers — which begs the question: who voted for him anyway?

The panto is a family favourite, with lots of fun for the kids who get to yell out to Splenda the good Witch and boo at the Wicked Witch. Just enough slightly naughty jokes are included to keep the parents and grandparents laughing. Go for the corny jokes and don’t expect anything profound.

If you’re feeling confused and want to get back to the basics after seeing this version of Wizard of Oz, remember that the “real” story is on stage now in St. Jacobs.

The Wizard of Oz continues at the Elgin Theatre, Toronto until January 6. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone 1-855-599-9090.

Book by L. Frank Baum
Music & Lyrics Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Directed by Adam Furfaro
Choreographed by Linda Garneau
Musical direction by Peter Aylin
Performed by Amy Wallis, Stephen Roberts, Nick Settimi, Jonathan Whittaker, Jackie Mustakas, Brian McKay, et al (with Tilley as Toto).
Drayton Entertainment Production
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs
November 16 to December 18, 2011
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

And Your Little Dog, Too!

Pack up the kids and follow the yellow brick road to St. Jacobs for a visit to the Emerald City. The Wizard of Oz, now running at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is a great family show – it has an engaging adult cast, an enthusiastic children’s chorus and best yet, an adorable real live Toto. In fact, Tilley who plays Toto, has an impressive bio in the program. A Norfolk terrier, she is reprising the role she played two years ago at London’s Grand Theatre, and continues to have audience appeal, getting “aaahhhhhs” every time she trots across the stage.

The story is well known, thanks to the 1939 movie. Dorothy runs away from home with Toto, afraid of the nasty old neighbour, Miss Gulch. A tornado hits Kansas, and Dorothy is swept away to the Land of Oz – or is she just dreaming after a bump on the head? She goes on a quest to return home, and finds new friends, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. Together they seek out the Wizard to help her get back to Kansas.

Amy Willis plays a feisty Dorothy. Wallis comes to the role, having played Anne of Green Gables in Charlottetown, making her Dorothy as mischievous as Anne.

Stephen Roberts is hired hand Hunk and The Scarecrow with spaghetti legs and a wonderful ability to tumble. His acrobatic skills make it easy to believe that The Scarecrow suddenly comes to life

The Tin Man and Hickory are played capably by Jonathan Whittaker, while Nick Settimi is Zeke and a hilarious Cowardly Lion, complete with the Snagglepuss voice.

The beautiful Jackie Mustakas is wonderfully horrible as the homely Miss Gulch and the hideous Wicked Witch. In fact, with her green face, poor posture and screeching voice she is not recognizable. It’s a good thing her own two children as part of the ensemble – if they had just dropped by the theatre to see the show, they would not know their own mother.

Brian McKay is a delightful Professor Marvel, sharing his hotdog with little Toto, and later plays the Wizard with warmth – the audience loves him despite the fact he’s a humbug.

The set is the only disappointment in the show. It opens in a straggly corn field and one wonders if the tornado has already gone through. Other times, they rely on painted backdrops, some of which are wrinkled. Thankfully excitement is added with the tornado, when the house, a cow, Miss Gulch’s bicycle and an assortment of other pieces of Kansas go flying around.

This is a show that children will enjoy – Dorothy and her trio create fun, while the Witch offers a bit of a scare, and the chorus keeps the show moving along. Of the 50 or so children in the ensemble, 16 to 18 are rotated into the show for each performance. The local youngsters keep the show interesting, and make it truly a family experience.

The Wizard of Oz continues with eight shows a week until December 18 at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Tickets are available at Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463, or check www.draytonentertainment.com