It feels like Christmas in July as Musical Theatre West offers an enchanting and visually spectacular revisit to this stage adaptation of the beloved 1939 MGM movie musical. The heartwarming story originated in L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and the vintage film remains in a class by itself. Under the helm of director-choreographer Shauna Markey, this lavish and consummately performed rendition brings us a wonderland of sugarplum delights.
John Kane's adaptation closely follows the screenplay. The magnificent film score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg sounds smashing under the baton of music director Jeff Rizzo. Using dazzling sets and costumes from the Madison Square Garden production, this staging is a Technicolor dream come true. The magic spell becomes complete with the breathtaking pyrotechnics and visual effects by J.S. Marsh Special Effects Inc. Characters and objects fly up and away, and huge projections create stunning imagery. The tornado sequences are particularly astonishing. Jean-Yves Tessier's lighting and Julie Ferrin's sound provide the crowning touches.
No children's fable would be complete without captivating characters. Deidre Haren is a charmer as Dorothy. Her sweet vulnerability makes us root for this heroine during every misadventure in her fanciful odyssey. As Dorothy's newfound friends, John Bisom is a limber and hilarious Scarecrow; John Massey is a droll delight as the Cowardly Lion; and the very funny Todd Nielsen masters stiff joints to create a convincing Tin Man. Teri Bibb is radiant as Good Witch Glinda. Nils Anderson is likable as kindly Professor Marvel, and he scores solid laughs as the befuddled Wizard. Natalie Nucci's Wicked Witch of the West seems more comedic than threatening, which dissipates some of the tension. The large ensemble of children and little-people actors forms an adorable chorus of munchkins.
If I had my druthers, the indulgent anachronistic gags would be scrapped, as they cheapen the purity of this homage. The production number "The Jitterbug" slows up the narrative; it was cut from the film prior to release for good reason. Otherwise, this fabulous production is an irresistible treat for the young and the young at heart.
Presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Thu.-Fri. 8 p.m. Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. (Also Sun. 7 p.m. Jul. 20.) Jul. 12-27. (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. www.musical.org.