“The Wizard of Oz” opened last weekend at Theatre 29 to sold-out crowds, both young and old. Reporter Rebecca Havely attended and offers this review of the production…
The yellow brick road at Theater 29 is filled with a colorful cast. Audience favorites include the Cowardly Lion played by Kevin Myers and the big-hearted Tin Man, played by Aidan Bosworth. The Wicked Witch is Cindy Daigneault and the Good Witch is played by Char Childs. Chris Fleishman, in a role he was meant to play, is my favorite as the Scarecrow. Dorothy is beautifully played by the talented singer/actress Christina Valentine. Ensemble standouts include, Dennis Boos as Uncle Henry, Adonai Patu as a flying monkey, Sarabeth Matilsky is featured as the “Jitterbug,” with lively choreography by Daniela Jara, and Ben Costello as the Wizard himself. The production boasts a myriad of special effects and projections that are visually stunning thanks to Director Gary Daigneault, Charles Harvey and the tech team. The award-worthy costumes are designed by Kathryn Ferguson and her team.
The Wizard of Oz” will continue its regular run weekends through March 25. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. A very few seats remain, and some additional overflow seating is available for walk-ins for the regular run. Responding to extraordinary demand, with all the regular performances mostly sold-out, Theatre 29 has added two additional performances of the “Wizard of Oz” The show will hold over an additional weekend, with extra shows now set for Friday, March 30, and Saturday, March 31, both at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit theatre29.org or call the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151. Reserve now as tickets are selling fast.
