The show is also filled with many spectacular voices that make it a pleasure to Ease on Down that robotic YBR. Emily Shackelford is Dorothy who leads the easing down the road which she hopes will lead to Home, though on the way she seems to be enjoying most of the residents and features of Oz. The residents include Robert Dowling as a funky Scarecrow complete with silver straw sticking out of his head. Dominic Robinson is the smooth singing and dancing Tinman who needs someone to Slide Some Oil to him. And Donny Gersonde is an especially amusing Mean Ole Lion dressed in a red fur coat who is in therapy with owls.

Then there are the more magically inclined residents of Oz. Addaperle is the sassy Good Witch of the North played by Rhea De Armas. Evillene is, obviously, the evil Witch of the West, and the intimidating Tiffany Laster is a hoot as she sings about how critical it is that she gets No Bad News, and how delightful it is to have her minions kiss her feet. Like the original book, Glinda is the Witch of the South, and in this role Hannah Sumner provides some absolutely jaw-dropping vocals. Trevor Johnson is the entertainingly pompous Wiz before his true identity is decurtained to reveal the wizard’s humbug, salesman-like alter ego Jackee Bianchi.

Performs through August 6, 2006.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre