Theater Review: Broadway Across America ~ Indianapolis: Wizard of Oz

Broadway in Indianapolis brings flying monkeys, melting witches and a scary forest to the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University. Running through Jan. 17, Wizard of Oz opens to a packed audience.

When a live version of a film classic is attempted, it is perfectly natural to feel trepidation. Will it have the original score? What will be chopped out and what will be updated to the point of destroying that which made the show popular in the first place?

Relax. They nailed the song list, characters (minus the Lullaby League), and even have a rainbow or two.

In fact, this is in my Top 10 favorites Broadway Across America productions I have reviewed since 2007. The classic, beloved film is given the respect due it, with a couple extra bonus items inserted for updating purposes.Dorothy Gale, the little girl caught up in a tornado, is performed oh-so-believably by Sarak Lasko. From her vocal talent with the deal breaker song, "Over the Rainbow," to her sweetness with her new travel pals, you just fall for her. (Prepare to get misty-eyed when she bids farewell to those friends.)

Playing the wise-cracking, adorable Scarecrow is Jay McGill. The man of straw, in this modern version, is less about trying to prove his intellect and more like Dory from Pixar's "Finding Nemo" ~ adorable and ditzy.

Morgan Reynolds gets everyone's attention as the Tin Man, the minute he opens his mouth to sing his character's song of woe, "If I Only had a Heart."

A surprise insertion is after intermission when the witch is melted and the enslaved Winkies show their happiness with a killer dance sequence. A great addition to an otherwise quick scene, showing why remakes can be good.

Shani Hadjian cackles as good as Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West. She also brings out her girly side when she sings one of five new tunes, "Red Shoes Blues.

Certainly this production feels as if has been given a "Wicked" once over, in regards to one-liners and asides to the audience. This only serves to enrich the show bringing to a modern end, staving off any chance at a verbatim stale remake of the MGM classic.

Bottom Line: Broadway Across Indianapolis' Wizard of Oz brushes up the film classic endearing it to a whole new generation.

Images: Provided by BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

Tickets can be found at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

 Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: The Wizard of Oz

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis, brings out classic The Wizard of Oz for its beginning summer fare, playing through July 15. Based on the series of books by L. Frank Baum, the story of a little Kansas farm girl transported to a colorful place, one that is "(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow." The tale was made famous by the 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, Margaret Hamilton and Frank Morgan.

With several strongly talented crowd favorites in the cast, this live production is sure to be a hit with the family sector as well as anyone looking for a bit of nostalgia. Main character, Dorothy Gale, portrayed by Lisa Bark, joins her trio of friends played by Jeff Stockberger (Tin Man), Doug King (Scarecrow) and Jayson Elliott (Cowardly Lion). Eddie Curry steps onstage to play both the Wizard of Oz and Professor Marvel. Lynne Perkins portrays the Wicked Witch and Miss Gultch
If the show seems to run a little long, it could be the inclusion of the fun "The Jitterbug" dance scene cut from the award-winning movie version.
Two performers step into the Gotta Go Spotlight by standing out with the energy and enthusiasm brought to their roles.

Curry, whose version of Professor Marvel was a little quiet and sedate, delighted the audience with his animated style as the Wizard. Portraying the phony wizard with just the right amount of vulnerability and sweetness, Curry creates a very likable character.

Elliott practically roars upon the stage with his over-the-top Cowardly Lion role. Solos "If I Only Had the Nerve" and "King of the Forest" are easily the best vocal performances of the evening showcasing Elliott's powerful singing ability. A treat for those who are just now learning of his talent for the first time, fans and critics alike who believe one can never get enough of Elliot's multi facted range. Whether in Oklahoma, Smoke on the Mountain series or Always...Patsy Cline, he consistently turns in top notch performances. Elliott's unbridled enthusiasm set the standard in Oz which the others, surprisingly, didn't match until the second act.

I will say there is a confused disappointment for me with Stockberger and King. Both are well known for their talent which leaves this critic scratching her head as to their laid back performances in the first half of the program. The lack of enthusiasm is perplexing. It certainly isn't as if we are not all aware of the fabulous ability each has on the stage.

Particularly with Stockberger whose dramatic and zany sides are both much loved by audiences; who is able to say so much with just a glance or twitch - the expectation was high. A man made out of tin whose moves are limited should be custom made for Stockberger. Fortunately the energy level was somewhat recovered in the second half. I would certainly enjoy knowing that all retrieved all of their normal zest for the remainder of the scheduled performances.

* Special Note & Spoiler Alert * There are several situations occurring throughout the performance which inspires me to mention the best seats for this show are those nearest the aisles. In particular, seats: R34-35; R44-40; L35/45; and along the aisle of L10/20/30 and A9/19.

Bottom Line: Jayson Elliott is absolute perfection and thoroughly delightful as the Cowardly Lion making Beef and Boards' The Wizard of Oz a must-see.

Photo credits: JulieCurryPhotography.com
For tickets, directions, and schedule, click on BeefandBoards.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Infused is published on FoodandDrinkDigital.com. Gotta Go is published on GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.