Reviews

Unfortunately in Australia to-day we are not exposed to as many pantomimes as we were when I was a lad and the director of “The Wizard of Oz – a Pantomime”, tutored the audience in the ways of participation and the result had us all involved.
Madeline Johns, the director, obviously has had a wealth of experience. She had selected her cast well, drilled them accordingly and used subtle tricks such as keeping her best dancers in front to lead the more inexperienced. She and her choreographer, Meredith Johns, moved the large cast of children around the set better than some adult productions I have seen.
Musical director David O’Keefe did a great job with a tremendous group including Sherree Drummond, Lachy Stewart, Jon Pedler and Aaron Janz whose well rehearsed music not only sounded good but also supported  the cast without overpowering them (something which happens in many productions).
Madeline’s cast consisted of the pretty Georgia Gleeson, who played Dorothy with just the right amount of timidity and stubbornness, John Sayles who played the Dame, Aunt Em with relish and glee, Alex Cummins as the Lion, Adrian Hogan as the Tin Man, Kaley Jones and Grace Cramer who played respectively the good witches Letitia and Glinda. The Wizard was played by Magic Sam whose tricks really did astound.
In this production we also have an Elvis played with gusto by Jack Cramer . The Gatekeeper was played by Joel  deRegt  and the Woodsman was played by Aran Acaroglu.  
The green Wicked Witch, Olga, whipped the audience into a frenzy. She was played by Jenny Morison. All the voices were lovely and I cannot help but mention three of the cast who had really great voices. They are Campbell Hall as the Scarecrow, Alex Kuchmenko as the Doctor and Liam Kirkpatrick as the Chamberlain.
Barbara Bloodworth’s costumes were simply delightful. The backdrops by Anne Cramer were moved efficiently and quietly by Stage Manager Jonathon Johns and his crew. Lighting by Brian Bloodworth was simple but effective and the small but highly competent band supported the cast well.
I look forward to witnessing many more shows by the highly talented “Roar Performing Arts Academy”.
Ray Swenson
January 15 at 2.00 p.m.
55 Miller St. Kippa Ring
$15 Adults and $12 Concession
Booking 1300 762 545
Or www.OzTix.com.au