The orchestra was warming up and the audience was anxiously finding their seats. All ages were gathered together to see the classic “The Wizard of Oz.”

The bright green and gold “Oz” Projected on the drop-down screen quickly went black as did the auditorium. What once was an emerald green picture was a sepia toned metal windmill. 

Dorothy Gale, played by Kalie Kaimann, ran onto the stage in a tan and white gingham dress to match the background, soon followed by her little dog Toto, played by Murphy, a white Brussels Griffon/Cairon Terrier mix. 

They shortly set the scene for what was yet to come with the iconic “Over the Rainbow.” The crowd was singing along to the well known classic. 

The show was packed with stellar special effects. Rather than a still set background that the crew would constantly change, there was a projection screen that gave the illusion that it was moving. 

One of the most breathtaking moments, when the cyclone that picked up Dorothy’s house, was especially magnificent. The moving background showed the weather drastically changing until you actually saw the twister approach the house. The use of fog and wind on stage complimented the effect. 

As for when Dorothy was actually inside of the storm, rather than showing it in the window like in the movie, a second, sheer screen came down at the front of the stage projecting the whirling mess. Such as Auntie Em in a rocking chair and the Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch transformation.

When the house finally dropped in Munchkinland, the vibrant colors refreshed the show, as well as the bright pink light up bubble that descended onto the stage containing Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

The citizens of Munchkinland’s dancing and singing was nothing short of perfection. With the continuous ballet moves, flips and the use of every inch of the stage, the audiences attention was locked down.

Even the Wicked Witch’s entrance was terrifyingly entertaining. Her shrill voice and dramatic actions were so animated, all eyes were on her. 

When Dorothy stumbles upon her first friend in Oz, the Scarecrow, he is funny, yet lovable and an instant crowd favorite. 

As the yellow brick road wound past the cottage where the Tin Man was rusted in place, he was accompanied by three trees that Dorothy and the Scarecrow steal apples from. Rather than being ugly, grumpy trees, they were beautiful women with tree headpieces on and long risqué black dresses with thigh high slits to show off their legs. 

The meeting of the lion was humorous, just like the oxymoron of a cowardly lion. The Lion was full of one liners and comical reactions to his surrounding, such as his reference to “The Lion King.”

Once they finally reached Oz, the bright green and intensely colorful costumes worn by the Ozians were nothing short than expected. The choreography was just as impressive as the Munchkins. 

As for the Wizard of Oz, the intense green glow of his face lit up Stephens in a bright green as his voice boomed. The audience as well as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion seemed intimidated by his power.

Inside the Wicked Witch’s castle, the special effects were abundant. Fire shooting out of her hand at the scarecrow, her control of her dungeon doors just at the wave of her hand and lastly, her melting onto a platform that the audience could see right under, but the witch was not seen. 

The show was coming to an end and Dorothy was back in Kansas with her loving family. The backdrop came down and once again, a sepia-toned metal windmill was displayed.