Wizard of Oz

Of course it’s wrong to review a new show like The Wizard of Oz while it’s still in previews, because the performance you see in previews is not the same as the final Wizard of Oz musical after the press night or opening. Nevertheless, hundreds of people have been to see the show already and we will be curious to find out from them what they thought of it, and the performances of Danielle Hope, Michael Crawford and the rest of the cast.

Here are some excerpts from pre-opening reviews:

Jenna Sloan The Sun:

The Wizard Of Oz doesn’t officially open until March 1 but The Sun attended a special preview last night. It was the first time the show has been open to the public – and it was truly spectacular. Witches sparkled and cackled, dropping in from the ceiling and rising from the floor. The yellow brick road dips and twists like a waltzer, and fire, smoke and steam effects create a dazzling atmosphere on stage. The majestic choreography is masterminded by former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips. Kids may find the Wizard – played by West End legend Michael Crawford – a bit scary, but everyone will be terrified by the demonic flying monkeys. The London Palladium has had a £4million overhaul to make it a suitable home for the high-profile show – and it was money well spent. The incredible collapse of Dorothy’s home in the tornado is almost cinematic, as computer graphics make the winds whirl as the house spins into space. And Danielle’s performance is as impressive as the stage show.

Her rendition of Over The Rainbow made the spine tingle and earned her rapturous applause from the sell-out crowd. Her Kansas accent remained strong, and at the end of her faultless performance she received a well-deserved standing ovation. Danielle, from Urmston, Gtr Manchester, beat more than 9,000 hopefuls to land the part, with Lloyd Webber saying she “acts from the soul”. She knows she has huge ruby slippers to fill, reprising the role made famous by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie classic. But judging by last night’s performance, Danielle will ensure the Lord has yet another smash on his hands.

Neil from London Theatre Articles:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz started its preview run on 7th February at the London Palladium, with the official opening due on 1st March. I anticipate that during the remainder of February there will be some tinkering with the show, particularly in view of its mechanically technical nature. In fact when I attended the show last night it had to pause half-way through the second act due to a technical problem, which thankfully only caused a stop of a minute or two. I was pleased to see that co-producer Bill Kenwright was on hand to speak with the musical director Graham Hurman prior to the commencement of proceedings highlighting that personnel at all levels are keen to make the musical a fantastic success.

From my own perspective I thought that the musical followed fairly closely to the storyline of the 1939 film version starring Judy Garland, and together with the original story being written over 100 years ago by Lyman Frank Baum, it has certainly stood the test of time.

Danielle Hope as Dorothy

I cannot say that I like the whole process of ‘reality tv’ but if it gives an opportunity to an unknown performer to become a star then so be it, although isn’t that then detracting from all of the other professional actors that have worked for years?

That said, I thought that the performance by Danielle Hope as Dorothy was super and she deserves every success that comes her way. She performed admirably throughout and together with Toto warmed the hearts of the audience.

When watching The Wizard of Oz musical I could not help but initially think of Judy Garland and her portrayal of Dorothy in the film, and I think that it is to Danielle’s credit that she projects the image and personality of Dorothy exceedingly well, and over time for many, her face will be the one recognised for the role.

Edward Baker-Duly (Hickory/Tin Man), David Ganly (Zeke/Lion) and Paul Keating (Hunk/Scarecrow) were all superb. It would be unfair of me to quote from their performances as it might spoil it for others, but fair to say that they add some very good humour to the musical and their acting was first class.

With her natural beauty and elegance, Emily Tierney portrays the part of Glinda wonderfully and the role is perfect for her. In her long-flowing shiny silver dress Emily moves gracefully around the Land of Oz and with a lovely voice to match she will surely endure herself to The Wizard of Oz fans.

Michael Crawford as The Wizard

Michael Crawford is of course fabulous and his various parts in the musical are performed in the professional manner that we have grown to expect from him. For me personally, having seen him as Frank Spencer many years, memories came flooding back when Michael smiled his cheeky smile.

The only ‘criticism’ I would have of Michael, is that when his character of Professor Marvel sings, the ‘Kansas’ accent seemed to conflict with Michael’s natural singing voice. As a leading actor in the musical, he plays his various parts brilliantly with his enthusiasm very much appreciated by an audience that will have seen him in numerous roles.

Hannah Waddingham is outstanding as The Wicked Witch of the West (and Miss Gulch) and her performance throughout really was first class. I am sure that many in the audience will find Hannah their favourite character, although with the makeup required for the Wicked Witch of the West, they will probably find it hard to recognise her out of costume. Well done Hannah, you are brilliant!

The rest of the cast that made up the swing and ensemble all performed professionally. Well done to the choreography team, who have put together a mixture of traditional and modern dance making the scenes both entertaining and fresh.

To conclude the cast, mention must be made of the dogs that played the part of Toto. They all appeared to be very well behaved although I am not sure that some of the recorded growling came from a small dog. The nonchalant expressions made by ‘Toto’ at certain times, were quite amusing and altogether Toto helps the feel-good factor of the musical.

The musical is technically excellent with modern technology being utilised to add to the various scene/set changes, and there are several ‘wow’ moments in the musical that make the audience gasp.

Overall, this is a musical that I am sure will capture the hearts of many, especially as it has a secure and traditional storyline, is adapted with modern technology and is suitable for the whole family. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Bill Kenwright should be congratulated on what will undoubtedly bring them a successful run with The Wizard of Oz.

Debby on our Wizard of Oz Facebook Page:

Wow!! Thank you for a wonderful evening on Friday. The show was ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC!! Couldnt fault a thing – even Toto was perfectly cast!! We laughed, we cried, we oohed and aahed and we even jumped out of our seats at one point! Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in this spectacle. (Thanks too to my husband for the wonderful Xmas present that was the tickets!) XX

EVERYONE should go see it!! I cant wait til next time-may be we’ll even be able to figure out how a certain something changed colour in the blink of an eye XXX (Dont want to give anything away!)