The humor all begins at the beginning, and that’s with Kristina Rasband as Dorothy. Whether it’s her uncertainty about being surrounded by a bunch of excitable munchkins or drying her tear-filled eyes with the Lion’s tail (until she realizes what it is), Kristina has brilliant comic timing and expressions. She can sing and dance, too!

She and her three talented friends play off each other with remarkable chemistry. Myles Vencill is the Scarecrow who is especially brainless and likes to talk to others with his hands as much as his mouth – just in case they too might be a bit brainless and need some help. The Tin Man, who Scarecrow calls “Ralph” due to a little misunderstanding, is played by Jacob Jones, a kind-hearted comedian who is a bit careless with his axe, nearly decapitating a nervous Scarecrow and Dorothy. James McGraw is a comic marvel as a Cowardly Lion given to nosebleeds and great moments of pride when he gets his courage. Toto does a fine job, especially when he pretends to be stuffed when they land in Oz. He also keeps disappearing and reappearing, leading the Lion to finally hand the dog to Dorothy asking, “Will you keep track of this thing?”

Performed June 15-18, 2006.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre