The Wiz

Stages around the country have been awash with musicals in green costumes about the land of Oz for years (Wicked/The Wizard of Oz) but this black version, except for a live Christmas outing on NBC in 2015, has rarely been seen despite a good score by Charlie Smalls. Bravely, ACPA (Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts) have now redressed the situation mounting an ambitious but enjoyable student production.

Star of the night and audience favourite would have to be Garrett Lyon as the Lion. A camp performance coupled with an ability to work the audience, his Lion was funny, fey and totally adorable. Matching him in crowd appeal would be Selwyn Powers’ Scarecrow. Loose-limbed, agile and prone to break-dancing it was also a winning performance.

Serina O’Connor’s Dorothy hit the notes, was vulnerable. Gara Doolah’s Tinman was a bit underpowered vocally, but Kelsey Lynn scored points as Addapearle, bringing charisma to the stage.

Others to impress were Jamaine Wilesmith (The Wiz), Michaella Stubbs (Evillene) and Kayci-Lee Gillies (Glinda). One of the best things about Simon Lind’s direction was his impressive ensemble choreography - sharp, snappy, and executed with a high degree of precision.

The production had been tweaked with some cute local references - Dorothy wanted to go home to Cairns instead of Kansas, and musical accompaniment was by the ubiquitous backing tape. The simple set was aided by Glenn Hughes’ clever lighting effects, which included a yellow brick road downstage.

Peter Pinne