During the September school holidays, Stage School Australia debuted its first production in Brisbane at the Draney Theatre, taking the audience on a magical adventure over the rainbow with The Wizard of Oz. The 60-minute adaptation of this timeless classic captivated the hearts of young and the young at heart, for the ideal family-friendly theatre experience.
From the moment the show opened in stunning black and white, it was clear that this production was going to be something special. The shift to vibrant colour carried the audience to the Land of Oz, where the stage design—featuring high quality scenery, props, lighting, and projections, as well as bubbles, haze, and sparks—all combined to create visual delight.
While the performances were absolutely amazing all around, I must highlight Keira Whyte's take on Dorothy—also sharing the role with Eden Vaka. Whyte's voice was just beautiful, soaring through every song and really conveying Dorothy's sweet nature, youthful naivety, and growing determination. Oliver Macready brought the loveable Toto to life, evolving him into a memorable and distinct character without speaking a single word. With his plush costume and knack for comedy, Macready transcended being merely a sidekick to embody a unique personality that is rarely seen in stage adaptations of this musical.
Scarlett Small shone as Glinda, literally, with a divine costume and wig that complemented her twinkling voice and radiant smile. It was a stark contrast to Jess Kennedy-Fletcher's Wicked Witch, who was simply electrifying! With her dramatic flair and commanding presence, she had the audience hanging on her every word, expertly portraying the menace and theatricality that make the character so iconic. Meanwhile, Tiger Robinson demonstrated remarkable versatility as he flitted between multiple roles like a pro, particularly shining as the goofy Gatekeeper and the powerful Wizard.
The Munchkins' children's ensemble, in their beautifully designed costumes, brought an adorable element of whimsy that elicited an 'aww' from the audience. The teen ensemble's comical portrayal as Munchkins shuffling around on their knees beneath voluminous skirts and capes created the illusion of the tiny characters, which had the audience chuckling! The ensemble returned multiple times to portray roles: as the Ozians dressed in vibrant green for "Merry Old Land of Oz", as the jitterbugs, as the flying monkeys, and as the Winkies, marching in sync for the rousing rendition of “Ding Dong!”
It was impressive to see such a large cast maintain high energy, especially during the exuberant “Jitterbug.” This song, with its intricate harmonies and high-speed choreography, is no walk in the park. Having tackled this challenging number myself, I can attest to its complexity, making their execution all the more impressive to me! The musicianship was equally commendable, with Lucy Ross’s direction resulting in outstanding vocals from the entire cast. Scott Matthews, playing the Tin Man, sang with a beautifully soothing voice, while Charlie Kelly-Mandalis’s Cowardly Lion radiated a larger-than-life presence and a touch of underlying sweetness. Jake Stubbs, in the role of the Scarecrow, impressed with his physicality and strong vocal performance. I especially loved the short reprise of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by Adison Mackinder as Aunt Em. It was a touching moment that reminded us of the beauty of family and home amidst the magical chaos of Oz.
The overall production values were exceptional. The costume department deserves applause for the sheer effort involved in managing such a diverse array of outfits, especially considering the hot and heavy nature of the garments. The performance also did justice to the magical effects—witches disappearing in a puff of smoke or melting on stage, the dramatic tornado scene, the dazzling reveal of the ruby slippers. The standout elements in the set were the hot air balloon and the iconic mechanical talking wizard head, adding more marvel to the production.
This one-hour version of The Wizard of Oz moves swiftly, ensuring every minute is used effectively. Under the direction of Robert Coates, the production shines due to its energetic performances and fantastic choreography, led by Jacqui Green and Dance Director Rebecca Djapovic. Once again, Keira Whyte and Eden Vaka deserve special mention for their impressive endurance and vocal consistency as they hardly left the stage. Their ability to maintain high energy and character authenticity is a testament to their dedication and talent.
From start to finish, the young cast impressed me, staying in character no matter what despite the inevitable mishaps, which they handled like pros. This elaborate production, featuring numerous costume changes, moving set pieces, and special effects, was pulled off beautifully, particularly considering the cast’s short holiday rehearsal period. It’s a testament to Brisbane’s growing pool of talented young performers, all of whom were clearly having a great time, creating an equally enjoyable experience for the audience!
Stage School Australia's production of The Wizard of Oz was a heartwarming celebration of courage, friendship, and the magic of home, reminding us all why we fell in love with this story in the first place. It’s evident that the cast and crew poured their hearts into this production, and their hard work paid off splendidly. Bravo to Stage School Australia for a delightful debut in Brisbane.
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