Ivy Van Wormer (Dorthy), Andy Collins (Tin Man), and Hunter Miles (Scarecrow). Photo by Stan Barough.
As Dorothy famously repeats, “There’s no place like home.” Annapolis’ Compass Rose Theatre certainly understands that sentiment, having long journeyed from space to space across the city in its 10+ year history. Now, nestled in its new home at Maryland Hall, Compass Rose is offering up a minimalist production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
…best for families, particularly those who want to introduce their young ones to this lovely tale.
Compass Rose strives to be one of the city’s few professional theatres with an education space. Alongside some many talented adults such as Abigail Weinel (Lion/Aunt Em) and Andy Collins (Tinman), director Lucinda Merry-Browne has also cast young performers, such as eighth-grader Ivy Van Wormer (Dorothy), high school freshman Noelle Wiser (Glinda), and Nilsson Benil and Lara Dugdale as munchkins. Animal lovers will be pleased to know that a tiny terrier, Buddy Marx-Webber, is making his stage debut as Toto.
Traditionally, “The Wizard of Oz”—based on the L. Frank Baum novel published in 1900—is a dazzlingly display in creativity and imagination. Here, it’s more about using your imagination. With just a plain black set with a few cut-outs and doors that allow actors to pop their heads through, the spartan production necessitates that the audience use their mind’s eye to envision the tumultuous twister that envelopes Dorothy, the technicolor world of Munchkinland, and the chartreuse hue of the Emerald City. (I would have liked to see a bit more from the lighting design to hammer home these locales). The 11-person cast means plenty of double-casting and quick costume changes, so while you’ll see the classic Dorothy ensemble of a blue checked dress and sparkling ruby slippers, there’s no verdigris on this Wicked Witch of the West.
Van Wormer certainly exudes the sweet innocence that Judy Garland mastered in the 1939 film, while Matt Leyendecker (Professor Marvel/Oz) nailed the overconfidence that the two shyster characters must have. Weinel and Collins truly shined in their roles, both dramatically and vocally.
In addition to all the songs you know and love, the stage version of “The Wizard of Oz” also includes the song “The Jitterbug” that was cut from the film. It’s the only time that choreographer Lindsey Zetter really gets to have fun, but it certainly does look like plenty of fun!
At its heart, “The Wizard of Oz” is truly a classic family story, focused on home and relationships. Compass Rose Theatre’s production is best for families, particularly those who want to introduce their young ones to this lovely tale.
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
“The Wizard of Oz” runs through May 21, 2023 at Compass Rose Theatre, Maryland Hall for the Arts, 801 Chase Street, Third Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
