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The Wizard of Oz

In 2023 Burtonwood AMADS decided on it’s comeback show. With an increasing number of young members it was decided to put on a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It was a very popular show with our members and rehearsals quickly got underway, full of enthusiasm. Our talented cast threw themselves into acting, song and dance ably supported by a fabulous production crew.

With capacity audiences for each of it’s 5 performances it proved to be a great success.

We picked up 5 Noda Nominations:

Best Supporting Female in a Musical for Jayne (Scarecrow)
Best Female Comedy Performance for Gemma Ewan (Lion)
Best Director of a Musical for Banaca Tranter
Best Programme (Perkins Class)
Best Female Youth Performer in an Adult production for Jess Ratcliffe (Dorothy)

Noda Review:

Author: Joe Clarke
Burtonwood Amateur Music and Drama Society were finally back on the stage this week with their post pandemic performance of the Frank L Baum classic musical, The Wizard of Oz. This version, by Harold Arlen & E.Y Harburg, is one that I’ve only seen once previously and is slightly different to the classic tale that we all know and love. This version is much funnier and more upbeat than the norm and provides plenty of opportunities for comedic moments. Director, Bianca Tranter was able to showcase these moments and give it more of a panto feel, which captured the audience from the offset. There are many moments in Bianca’s direction to highlight. The main being the characterisations from all, the storytelling and overall visuals which added layers to scenes and helped showcase the hard work that has gone into this production, particularly with the set and costumes. I really enjoyed all the added extra’s that Bianca brought, such as giving the actors freedom to add more comedic moments (such as the brilliant Glinda). Visually, everything was as we expected for the storyline and characters, but I have to say, the costumes and set really looked effective and certainly way more professional than I remember from this smaller society. Great use of the moving bridge in Act 1 and the set for Emerald City looked amazing in Act 2! The use of projections for the Wizard of Oz and the rocket etc was effective too and a nice added touch. Well done to all involved! Your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!

One thing to note that needed more work were the vocals from most, particularly with timing. There were far too many who were ahead of the track, and it would’ve been nice to hear more harmonies etc in the company numbers. The tracks themselves were great and the sound overall was equally great also – I could hear everything clearly. The lighting, although somewhat limited in this space, was effective enough and all areas of the stage was lit appropriately and helped add layers to scenes etc.

The choreography was good enough to include those in the whole company and effective enough to showcase the more able dancers within the society. Having a number of choreographers (Rebekah Denton, Jayne Harnick, Bianca Tranter and Mary Gleave) meant that this was more of a collaboration between members, and each was able to showcase their skill. I particularly loved the choreography for ‘Jitterbug’ which was very visually striking and one of the highlights! Well done to all involved in choreography!

The protagonist, Dorothy Gale was superbly played by Jess Ratcliffe. Jess is a previous NODA award winner and it’s not hard to see why. Jess commanded the stage in every scene and was secure in vocality and physicality to portray this iconic character. Jess looked like she was having the time of her life on stage and that made the audience love her from the offset and able to come on the journey with her. Jess’ version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ was beautifully sung and performed.

The Scarecrow was wonderfully played by Jayne Harnick. I loved the physicality that Jayne brought to the role and kept up throughout the rest of the show. Jayne’s stage presence was fab too and she was well cast in this role. Jayne’s storytelling and diction etc were fab too.
The Tinman was played by Zack Smith. Whilst Zack was a little too laid back for me and I needed a little more projection and energy, I have to say he looked as if he was loving being onstage which made him more loveable. I really enjoyed his costume, and he had a lovely rapport with the others on stage.

The Lion was played by Gemma Ewen. Gemma has brilliant comic timing and got plenty of laughs from the audience. I loved the way in which Gemma used her voice to aid the comedy. Her physicality was also good too. Gemma was well cast in this role too.

The Wicked Witch was played by Helen Dodd. I loved the use of vocality that Helen brought to the role, and she was effective in this role, getting boos from the audience etc. I personally would’ve loved to have seen more physicality brought to convey the evilness but I’m being overly picky here. Glinda was wonderfully played by Rebekah Denton. Rebekah has a unique way of being funny with a look or a gesture and she brought so much more to this role than isn’t in the script. I really enjoyed all the added extras to make this character a sissy diva! There are far too many characters for me to mention in great detail, but special mentions have to go to Daniel Watt as the Munchkin Mayor who was hilarious. The two young ensemble girls (Lily Harnick and Freya Turton) were excellent throughout every scene and were very watchable. Their dancing was also fab too – these two are certainly ones to watch out for in the future!

Rob Minjoot played the role of the Wizard of Oz and was effective in communicating the story. I personally would’ve preferred more of a bumbling idiot to this character but this is just a personal preference and not reflective on Rob’s performance.

Well done to all involved in this production. It is abundantly clear that there is a lot of love for this society which is supported well by their local community. The community spirit was alive and well on the evening of my visit which made it all the more enjoyable to watch. This was a great production and very well received by all. I thank Burtonwood AMDS for their wonderful hospitality (Brian Maffit) and I wish them all the very best for subsequent productions!