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By Eric McCrea
By Eric McCrea
Youngstown
The Youngstown Playhouse was packed Friday night for the opening of its final show of the season, “The Wiz.” The Tony award-winning musical based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a weird and energetic whirlwind with all the familiar characters — and a few funky new ones.
“The Wiz” stays true to the book in some ways that might confuse viewers who only know the 1939 film version that starred Judy Garland. For instance, Dorothy wears slippers of silver, not ruby, and visitors to the Emerald City must wear green spectacles once inside the gate. Baum’s Winkies and Quadlings also are left intact.
Leading the cast is Destiny Hughes as Dorothy. Though her vocals are admirable, her acting falls short of exceptional, but she redeems herself in the finale when she brings down the house singing “Home.”
As Dorothy journeys through Oz, she meets those travel companions we all know so well, starting with the Scarecrow, played by James Major Burns. In his second appearance on the Playhouse stage, Burns shines and is impossible to ignore. He’s sure to entertain for years to come.
Joshua William Green’s Tinman is dapper and suave, adding some modern hilarity. His transformation from stiff and rusty to lubricated and lively is impressive as he sings “Slide Some Oil to Me.”
As the Lion, Daniel Colvin is debonair with flair , worrying about his hair when he’s not shaking in his paws.
Three witches (four if you count the pair of enchanted shoes under Dorothy’s house) grace the stage in this production.
The first one is Addaperle, the good witch of the south, played by the incomparable Nikita R. Jones. Her Punky Brewster fashion, boisterous song and decided lack of magical skills give Jones ample time to show off all her theatrical talent.
As the infamous wicked witch of the west Evillene, Jacinda Madison may not be the most fearful of villains, but she’s a delight when she belts out her shoot-the-messenger themed “No Bad News.”
Rounding out the trio as Glinda, the good witch of the north, Leslie Kitchen makes impressive work of “A Rested Body is a Rested Mind,” even if the song seems as if it was written hastily to give the well-known role sufficient weight.
In the title role of the Wiz, Keith Baker is less than stellar. His halting speech pattern slows down the pace of the show, and he never seems to be able to quite wow the audience.
As the wicked witch’s Lord High Underling, Anthony “Coot” Madison has a larger-than-life presence that fills the house with laughter.
Director Carla D. Gipson molded a cast of over 40, leading to some great chorus numbers. Ensemble pieces worthy of note included the Tornado Ballet, the Crows, the Winged Monkeys, and some very skilled Yellow Brick Road dancers. The Munchkins had a few stumbles performance –wise, but their bright costumes were only dwarfed by their charm and large personality.
The Wiz runs today and next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.