OSF Review: “The Wiz” a visually dazzling and fun musical

by Bill Choy
read review on siskiyoudaily.com

“The Wiz” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a joyful, high energy, visually stunning delight that is about as much fun as you can have at a play.

This musical adaptation of the L. Frank Baum classic, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” re-imagined the story with an African American cast, and was a smash hit on Broadway in 1975. The play was brought to the silver screen in 1978, with the Diana Ross and Michael Jackson film, as well as a successful live production on NBC last fall. The OSF rendition is a standout and a musical to savor.

I’m sure many people who see this will be singing “Ease on Down the Road” for days on end, which I confess I did. So much so, my nearly three-year old-daughter and I have spent some quality time singing this timeless tune together, as we pretend to walk down the yellow brick road.

“The Wiz” opened at the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre in Ashland, Ore., on Saturday. It runs until Oct. 15.

The entire play is a visual treat, with some of the most creative costumes, set design, and use of visual effects I have seen in my time going to the theater. Costume designer Dede M. Ayite, director Robert O’Hara, and scenic designer Christopher Acebo have come up with a vividly creative visual feast for the senses. I was in awe of the costumes created by Ayite and those who had a hand in creating them at OSF. I hope that eventually, they will be put on display so I can admire them further. One group of costumes that stands out is the crows that surround the Scarecrow when we first meet him, with the actors dressing as the crows bearing a more than passing resemblance to the creature in “Alien,” and are stunning to behold. For a second, I wondered if the Scarecrow would go all John Hurt, and have something burst right out of his straw. There is also the dazzling costume worn by “The Wiz” himself (a wonderfully brash and funny Jordan Barbour), looking like a strutting peacock, mixed with 1970s flair, as the extra high platform heels stand out in the best possible way.

What makes this production go is the top of the line cast, and impeccable direction by O’Hara, who has an obvious love for this material. The chemistry this cast has is undeniable, as they seem to be having a grand old time. J. Cameron Barnett is pitch perfect as the Scarecrow. He brings a wonderful sass and impeccable comic timing and singing chops to the part, fully making it his own. Ashley D. Kelly does a terrific turn as Dorothy. Her dazzling voice, as well as her fun, poignant performance are memorable. The Cowardly Lion as played Christiana Clark is a major standout. Clark has a blast conveying the vulnerability and faux toughness of the Cowardly Lion in a beautifully realized and hilarious performance. Rodney Gardiner plays the Tinman, and again proves what a multi-talented acting powerhouse he is is with his wonderful comic timing, dancing and singing skills. Yvette Monique Clark is a hoot as the evil witch Evillene, as she brings out all the stops in the number “No Bad News.”

A lot of credit has to be given to the dancers in the ensemble, who impress with sublimely energetic and poetic dances moves, including a few that had the audience gasping and cheering. Huge props must be given to choreographer Byron Easley and assistant choreographer Lauren E.J. Hamilton for the work they have done here.

Sure, this beloved musical may not be perfect in patches, and will be considered a bit over the top and too campy for some. For me, it was just right, with a cast that dazzles at every turn.

All I have left to say is, “There’s no place like OSF.” “There’s no place like OSF.” “There’s no place like OSF.”