NSMT's "Oz" Shines with Stellar Cast, Dazzling Tech, and Heartfelt Touches

The North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts, has once again proven its magical prowess with a truly enchanting production of "The Wizard of Oz." This beloved, heartwarming tale, expertly directed by Kevin Hill, not only captivated the audience but soared "Over the Rainbow" with its phenomenal cast, breathtaking new stage innovations, and delightful special touches.

From the moment the curtain rose (or rather, the lights illuminated the stage-in-the-round), it was clear the cast was nothing short of marvelous. Their acting abilities were truly on point, bringing both depth and levity to their iconic roles. Each character's singing was equally impressive, filling the theater with the familiar and cherished melodies of Oz. Beyond their vocal talents, their stage presence was magnetic, drawing every eye and immersing the audience completely in Dorothy's journey. As John Russo aptly noted in his review, "I was immersed in the journey that the main character Dorothy was about to embark on!"

The individual performances were a testament to the cast's incredible talent. Michele Ragusa as Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch was simply brilliant – a character you truly loved to hate! Ethan Carlson as Hunk/Scarecrow stole hearts with his endearing portrayal, while Sean Bell as Hickory/Tin Man made you want to be his guardian, embodying the Tin Man's yearning for a heart. E. Mani Cadet's Zeke/Cowardly Lion made you want to be his biggest influencer and cheerleader, capturing the perfect blend of fear and courage. Bridget Delaney as Dorothy Gale melted hearts, making the audience feel every emotion with her. Kerry Conte as Aunt Em/Glinda exuded warmth, making you wish she was your own aunt and guardian angel. Ian Lowe, as Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard/Professor Marvel/Wizard, was a chameleon, effortlessly transitioning between his multiple fun-loving characters. And, of course, the return of NSMT's beloved "Christmas Carol" star, David Coffee, as Professor Marvel/The Wizard was a special treat. As Russo pointed out, "AND the character Professor Marvel/THE WIZARD played by the non-other the most beloved Actor to grace the NSMT STAGE for Decades, DAVID COFFEE, I wished to be his sidekick and listen to his wisdom and life's experiences all the time! THANK YOU, DAVID!" Even the four-legged star, Toto, played by "Bug Minnie," was an absolute scene-stealer!

Beyond the stellar performances, North Shore Music Theatre debuted a beautiful new stage deck that revolutionized the visual experience. This innovative deck, featuring an LED light panel, allowed the stage to illuminate with an unexpected realism. The yellow brick road, in particular, was brought to life in a way that truly enhanced the journey, creating a sense of wonder and direction that you wouldn't typically expect. As Russo remarked about the stage-in-the-round, "The floors lite up like I have never experienced before!" The meticulous costume design was also a marvel, with the Poppy Field scene being a particular highlight that "You need to witness for yourselves how this whole Trip to Oz was done!"

Adding to the magic were the thoughtful small touches that made this production truly special. The sight of snow falling from the rafters created a beautiful and immersive effect, transporting the audience directly into the heart of the story. These details, combined with the brilliant performances and the groundbreaking stage technology, truly elevated "The Wizard of Oz" into an unforgettable theatrical experience.

This magnificent production of "The Wizard of Oz" is not to be missed. It's a show that will stick in your mind, leaving you humming the iconic songs and reminding you that, indeed, there's no place like home, especially when it's found at the North Shore Music Theatre. "LET'S ALL SING....We're OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD..... and do it!" To ensure you don't miss out on this spectacular experience, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets by visiting www.NSMT.org before it ends on July 20th!