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Thursday, July 18, 2013

7/18/13: We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz

 We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Who doesn't love the story?  It is such a timeless classic and so much fun to see live on stage.  We were lucky enough to see it at the North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT).  If you think your child won't sit still for a show this is one to take them to.  It is so much fun, plus the entertainment is all around you at this intimate theatre and the special effects are fantastic.  The show is still going on until August 4th so there is still time to get tickets.  Plus Kids 18 and under save 50% on ‘Family Friday' July 19th.
 Credit for all photos to: ©Paul Lyden
Of course we have to start with Dorothy.  Judy Garland is a difficult pair of ruby slippers to fill, but Danielle Bowen was wonderful.  I loved the inflections in her voice that made it really sound like the original.  She did such an amazing job.  We loved hearing her sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".  Toto was adorable also.  He was so well trained and sat even when Dorothy walked away.  He is a rescue dog and I absolutely love that.  There are two dogs they have playing the role of Toto so each gets a little break.  
The first character Dorothy meets on her yellow brick road to see the Wizard is the Scarecrow.  Paul Sabala plays this character and does a fantastic job.  The way he walks like a Scarecrow who wouldn't be used to walking on legs is great.
Then it is off to meet the Tin Man.  Joe Moeller had a wonderful voice plus did some tapping which I enjoyed.
I think my favorite though was the Cowardly Lion.  He had us all laughing and had a wonderful voice.  He did a wonderful job with the part and the kids loved him too.  
Donna English as Glinda the Good Witch was fantastic also.  Seeing her flying through the air was so cool and the kids were very impressed.
Here is a video preview of the show:

My kids loved it and they are 6 and 8.  If your kids enjoyed the movie they will love it.  When the witch comes in my daughter did grab my arm as she flew over head but she was fine with it.  Laura Jordan does an awesome job with the Wicked Witch of the West.  Her screechy voice was perfect when she said "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!"
You can't forget about the Munchkins.  They were played by children and many of them I recognized from previous shows at the North Shore Music Theatre.
     The whole show is so amazing.  I highly recommend it!
You can also play the Wizard of Oz Game and win 4 VIP Tickets for the show on July 27th.
More about the show:
Follow the yellow brick road to the award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) for THE WIZARD OF OZ. "Our production of The Wizard of Oz will be the perfect way to continue this fantastic family summer we are having at North Shore Music Theatre," said NSMT owner and producer Bill Hanney. "Following our acclaimed record-breaking production of The Sound of Music, I am happy to say that we are anticipating many sold out performances for this show as well. I have added many additional performances to accommodate the families who will want to enjoy this show together and make some memories to last a lifetime!" There truly is no place like home as THE WIZARD OF OZ, the greatest family musical of all time, lands on the stage of North Shore Music Theatre. You will be swept away by our celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film. The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow in this lavish production, featuring magical special effects, dazzling choreography and the classic songs you love, including "Over the Rainbow," "If I Only Had a Brain," "We're Off to See the Wizard," and more. 
 THE WIZARD OF OZ will feature Danielle Bowan as Dorothy. Danielle is a rising junior in the BFA Musical Theatre program at Emerson College in Boston and has appeared in productions such as Spring Awakening and the Emerson Fights Aids Gala. NSMT audience favorite, David Coffee, will play Professor Marvel, The Gatekeeper and The Wizard of Oz. 
For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200, visit the NSMT Website, or visit the box office in person at 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, Massachusetts. THE WIZARD OF OZ is sponsored by Beverly Hospital, a member of Lahey Health, and Boston Children's Hospital . Meet the Theatre: post-show audience discussion with the artists on July 23 after the 7:30 pm performance and July 27 after the 2 pm performance.
So don't miss Dorothy and her friends and make sure you go and see it.
You can also check out the North Shore Music Theatre:
Disclosure:  I received 4 tickets to attend this performance of The Wizard of Oz.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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