DOROTHY IN ODD

DOROTHY IN ODD

F. J. Hartland 

           There is probably no more beloved film than The Wizard of Oz.  In fact, this year is the seventieth anniversary of the movie’s release.  Due to that fact, scores of stage productions of the musical are popping up all over.

            Of all of those productions, I am certain there will be quite none like the current offering from Rage of the Stage Players.

            Rage of the Stage applies its trademark edginess to the classic.  Now Dorothy is no sweet Kansas farm girl—she’s “Dottie,” manic depressive shoplifter committed to an asylum by her Auntie Em.  The Scarecrow is a strung out heroin addict; the Tinman is a pierced and angry man with a mohawk; and the Cowardly Lion is a sex pervert with a flatulence problem.  And Toto is dead before the shows begins—killed by a hit-and-run driver.

            Unfortunately, the script by James Michael Shoberg (who also directs) is uneven.  At moments the parallels he draws to The Wizard of Oz border on brilliant; others fall sadly flat. 

           And these characters are so slimey that when “Dottie” says good-bye to them, it’s not poignant—it’s a relief.  And I felt the need to go home and shower. 

           Don’t expect a heart-warming there’s-no-place-like-home ending.  Instead, the play ends on a somewhat ambiguous note.

            With its plethora of scenes, there are long blackouts for the very simple set changes. This brings any momentum the production builds to dissipate.

             There are some interesting performances.  Carrie L. Shoberg brings much needed laughs as the ditzy therapist.  Chucky Hendershot gives a very physical performance as “Skarekrow,” seemingly walking on legs made of rubber.  Lindsay Nagel gives a (dare I say it?) high energy performance as a mental patient given too much electroshock therapy.

            The costumes are amazing, much to the credit of both Shobergs and Brittany Spinelli.

            The production is brief (compared to other Rage of the Stage productions); unfortunately, the opening night curtain did not go up until after 8:15pm.  Volume was also a problem during the early scenes.

            I really enjoyed the Rage of the Stage treatment given to Alice in Wonderland several months ago;  I don’t think Dorothy in Oz lives up to that. 

           But if you want to see a classic in a whole new light, Dorothy in Oz fulfills the bill.

            Dorothy in Oz continues at the former Open Sage space in the Strip District through September 26.  For reservations, call 412-851-0922.

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