Theater Review - 'The Wizard of Oz' by Pomperaug Theatre Company

SOUTHBURY - Pomperaug Theatre Company’s current production is “The Wizard of Oz.” Pomperaug Theatre Company is part of Pomperaug High School in Southbury, CT. It is a student-run theatre program and the students are under the direction of Madge O’Toole.

The students used the version of the story by L. Frank Baum, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg and background music by Herbert Stothart, which was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Of course, it is based upon the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment.

In her director’s note in the printed program, Ms. O’Toole shares that it has been another interesting year for the artist who have put together this show. “Difficulties and absences due to COVID have set the stage for a long and sometimes terrifying journey but, like Dorothy, we found we weren’t alone.”

The director notes that the cast and crew are telling this “timeless story about struggle and perseverance in the face of danger. We hope that when you leave you will find that you have the power inside of you to create any world, any dream, any reality.”

At the open rehearsal, O’Toole asked for our patience with the technical aspects of the performance. Due to the early dismissal for the snow that fell the previous afternoon, the tech rehearsal for the 70 students involved had been lost. The glitches were few, despite the chaos, and I felt that the students are ready for opening night.

Lauren SanFanAndre is committed to the role of Dorothy Gale and sings the opening number “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” beautifully in the black and white portion of the show. Maddie Parrella is emphatic as Almira Gulch and has a great cackle as the Wicked Witch.

Alex Roper is charming as Prof. Marvel and even as the Wizard himself. Gabby Ciccarino is both Dorothy’s loving aunt Em and the glittering Glinda is a pink hoop skirt. Robert Lee covers the roles of Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Guard.

Kate Goncalves rocks the role of the Cowardly Lion and was the co-choreographer. Jimmy Hunter is a delight as Scarecrow and was the other co-choreographer (and the only guy who danced the Jitterbug!)

Ramyaka Annambhotla plays farmhand Zeke and understudies the role of the Lion. Aiden Kelly plays Hickory and is the Tin Man understudy. Maille Kimble dons the silver face paint to play the Tinman. William Yorns plays the farmhand Hunk and understudies the Wizard.

Don’t miss the small group of “littles” that appear as Young Munchkins, Poppies and Monkeys. At the open rehearsal, they knew where they were supposed to be as well as their lyrics and choreography. Grace Avcollie, Lalah Brown, Leo Marks, Bria Mowrey and Sarah Sugden were all adorable and well-rehearsed.Young Munchkin Finnegan O’Toole covers the role of monkey Nikko as well.

The choreography for “The Jitterbug” is quite impressive and the dancers pull it off well. There are some performances that were filmed and are played at the correct time. The Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West appear this way, as does Dorothy’s Auntie Em when she is being held by the Witch. Toto is played by a stuffed dog on wheels that makes an entrance during the curtain speech and appears throughout, fitting neatly into Dorothy’s basket when not scooting around the stage.

Julia Groves served as the costume designer that hit all of the right notes and Hannah Ali worked her magic as hair and makeup designer. Glinda, in a lovely pink gown, has her own pink bubble in which to travel and the twister is accomplished with lighting designed by Carly Cook. Tessa Masi designed the sound elements that worked well. The paint designer was Sydney Booth and Kayleigh Ecsedy collected all of the many props needed. Ecsedy dubs House Manager Hana Hussain “the backbone of the PTC” in the printed program.

There is a wonderful behind the scenes video that is shown before the performance that introduces the audience to many students involved in the production. I really enjoyed this opportunity to peek backstage. The 17-piece orchestra in the pit is under the direction of John Tzetzo and sounded great from the overture to the curtain call. LInda Hughes is the musical director.

The show opens on Friday, March 11th, 2022 at 7:00 pm, and runs Saturday, March 12th, 2022 at 2:00 pm and Sunday, March 13th at 2:00 pm. During the intermission, the students will be holding a fundraiser for the people of the Ukraine.

Tickets are priced at $10 for students, senior citizens, and Region 15 staff and $15 dollars for adults. Kids are highly encouraged to come, although be forewarned that the two-acts run almost two hours and 30 minutes with one ten-minute intermission. Tickets can be bought online or at the door.