The Wizard of Oz

The Tin man might not have had a heart but this production certainly does – and plenty of courage to take on such a technically demanding show.

Relive your childhood & introduce the next generation to The Wizard of Oz at Beenleigh Theatre Group – it’s fun, lively & there’s even a real live Toto (or two!).

The show follows the tale of Dorothy’s journey (played by Madeline Harper) down the yellow brick road. We meet the Scarecrow (Hudson Bertram), the Tin man (Michael Mills) and the cowardly Lion (Michael Ware) along the way and make it to the dazzling emerald city.

In the second half, Dorothy and her friends conquer the wicked witch (Alison Pattinson) and, after an unusual and unrelated interlude of a choreographed neon puppet circus, the wonderful Wizard of Oz (Bradley Chapman) is revealed for who he truly is, a phoney. Dorothy and Toto, with help from Glinda (Abby Page) and the ruby slippers, return home in one piece which is where the story ends.

Madeline Harper is the perfect choice for Dorothy with her effortless vocal and innocent disposition – she drives the show perfectly from start to end. She wouldn’t be Dorothy without her side-kick, Toto, who just so happens to be played by two incredible little Yorkies – McGinty & Peggotty Hunt. Kudos has to be paid to these four-legged theatre veterans who were scene-stealers and had the audience in the palm of their paws! 

Along the way, we meet Hudson Bertram, superb as the wobbly-limbed scarecrow, while Michael Ware’s cowardly lion was a comic delight and the true representation of character depth & understanding – a true stand-out that would fit perfectly in a professional run of the show. Rattling along between them was Michael Mills as the Tin Woodman with the wayward axe who had a tough character but by the end of the show – it was a well-oiled foursome!

Alison Pattinson was suitably evil as Miss Gultch and the Wicked Witch of the West, while Abby Page gave us a sassy Glinda, good witch of the North – both were a perfect contrast to each other! It wouldn’t be The Wizard of Oz without… the Wizard of Oz, played by Bradley Chapman. He was the perfect mix of mystery, illusion, and general phoney behaviour – all the things we were waiting for!

It wouldn’t be opening night without a few teething issues but the live band supporting the performers was crucial in moving, slowing & adapting to the few instances. Speaking of the band, Julie Whiting & the reveal of her live orchestra was a welcomed sign – they carried the show perfectly. 

With any musical based off a book, based off a film & adapted – there were some scenes that are usually excluded to reduce the run time, however, this production keeps them in. If you’re taking younger children I’d recommend attending a matinee performance or they might not make it past the intermission (too tired from so much fun!).

While the performance often strayed away from the plot and was sometimes slow-moving in its delivery, the tale concludes with good triumphing over evil and the audience head home with the feel-good message that the only magic you need, self-belief.

Mel Newton

Photography: Creative Street