A terrific show as musical group of the Georgian Youth Theatre celebrated ‘Back to Oz’ – a tale of sadness at what has happened in the past and hope, for what might be.
It is centred around Dorothy’s granddaughter Thea (Isla Durban) and Toria (Lola Rudd), who are transported back to the land of Oz, which has been ravaged by industrial pollution and climate change.
Along the way Thea and Toria take part in many adventures, in a cross between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and designed for a younger audience.
Written by Aimee Shields and directed by Lucy Booton, this was a fun-filled evening, with the packed audience delighted by the performances of a group aged between 6-18.
“You’ve got a friend” sung by Skai Nicholson, “Little” by Toria and “Nothing holds me back now” by the Lion (Willow Mellon-Kelly) were all excellently delivered, as was the signature tune of “Somewhere over the rainbow” by the Kansas House Kids.
The main cast were on top form, aided by the ever-adorable munchkins, wizard’s cronies, flying monkeys, emerald citizens and upper Ozzians.
Incredibly, one of the original munchkins from the timeless move classic released in 1939 only passed away last year. Elaine Merk Binder, who died aged 94, can be seen in the movie, alongside Judy Garland as Dorothy and Frank Morgan as the Wizard of Oz.
As if that wasn’t remarkable enough, the actress who played Judy Garland’s stand-in is still alive and kicking, aged 107. Caren Marsh Doll’s feet are the ones seen on screen when Dorothy clicks her ruby slippers together.
The movie broke many box office records on its release and this was a really fitting tribute to arguably the most famous festive film of them all.
“All in Oz together” finished the show with the whole company on stage – a really apposite ending which lifted the audience to Oz……and back.
