It’s always a shame when I don’t get to see a show until the end of its run. Sometimes I wish there were more of me spread around to see even more than I can by myself (if anyone wants to help me cover more shows just let me know!) It’s especially a bummer when it turns out to be a show I really love and then don’t get the opportunity to spread the word the way I’d like. Well, such is the case with The Wizard of Oz at Heritage Theatre in Perry. I love this little theater and this production may be the best thing I’ve ever seen from them.

Heritage Theatre is a favorite of mine because it really embodies everything that’s great in true community theater. It’s a chance for people to learn and grow and bond as a cast- to contribute something special to their community without expecting career advancement or large proceeds. I also appreciate they keep challenging themselves with more ambitious staging, costumes and other production elements. It’s community theatre that may be amateur but never fails to be entertaining.

This production of The Wizard of Oz is pretty closely based on the classic film with story by L. Frank Baum and music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and EY Harburg. It is directed by Beth Bruner and she recently directed My Fair Lady at Heritage which was outstanding so she knows how to get the best out of a community theatre cast and production. I particularly loved how she interwove so many different elements including 3 different versions of Toto, projections, traditional backgrounds, wonderful lighting by David Bruner, and an animatronic Oz Head puppet made out of crates that was so much fun (Oz Head made and operated by Celeste Reese and David Bruner). You definitely don’t expect that kind of creativity from a little place like Heritage!

The cast of The Wizard of Oz is also outstanding. I was amazed to see this is Caitlin Storm’s first lead playing Dorothy. She has a mature old-school sound to her voice that would have felt right at home with Judy Garland and the 30s. I also loved her chemistry with her trio of friends Scarecrow (Michael Storm), Tinman (Lauralye Anderson), Lion (Sterling Nelson). Hayley Bell is having the time of her life playing the Wicked Witch and I loved the scene when she broke character because she just be mad at a cute little doggy. That’s why I love community theater for moments like that.

Everyone who is involved with the costumes deserves huge credit. I especially loved the green looks for the Emerald City dancers. The makeup team also does incredible work getting elaborate looks on and off very quickly. I also really enjoyed the way the tornado was portrayed using dancers and fabric and the poppies/snow dancers. “The Jitterbug” choreography (Janelle Wiser) using black light and fleurescent/white costumes was also a ton of fun to watch. So much clever and thought went into every aspect.

Of course, not everything was perfect at The Wizard of Oz at Heritage. There were small microphone pings and singing that wasn’t the best but such foibles only enhance the heart and soul of such a piece of community theater. The Wizard of Oz is playing through March 22nd tickets can be purchased here.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks. Please take a look here.