Booked & Scene

We’re Off to See the Wizard!

There’s something about The Wizard of Oz that lives deep in our collective memory. It’s more than a movie or a musical: it’s part of how we understand fantasy, friendship, and the idea of home. North Shore Music Theatre’s latest production, directed by Robert W. Schneider, with music direction by Matthew Stern, leans into that legacy with a lot of heart, a heaping dose of  humor, and a whole lot of charm.

It’s familiar, yes, but not tired. It’s nostalgic without feeling old. It feels like going home… but with a few unexpected detours along the yellow brick road.

The Yellow Brick Road Belongs to Them

Let’s start with the girl in the gingham dress. Bridget Delaney is a true standout as Dorothy Gale. She brings both heart and presence to a role that rarely leaves the stage. Her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” was a highlight, and she struck a beautiful balance between wide-eyed wonder and quiet strength making you want to root for her from her first note. It felt like a fresh take on a character we all know so well. It’s difficult to carry a show that rarely lets you leave the stage, but she made it look effortless.

Michele Ragusa? A total scene-stealer in the best way. As Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch, she brought sharp comedic timing, a piercing cackle, and a touch of modern bite to the classic villain. She made the character hilariously twisted without losing any of that classic villainy. She brought the Wicked Witch squarely into the modern era while keeping everything that made her iconic to begin with. This version of the Witch is smart, unhinged, and absolutely hysterical. Ragusa manages to be terrifying and funny all at once, which is no easy feat.

If I Only Had… This Cast

Ethan Carlson as Hunk and the Scarecrow was an absolute force. Every time he opened his mouth I smiled, but it was what he did with his body that had me floored. Balancing on his head, walking on his hands, flipping, flopping, tumbling all over the stage with joy and precision: his physicality stole the show. I kept thinking, my mid-30s body could never. It made his performance all the more impressive, and his warmth and humor gave the character real depth.

Sean Bell brought sincerity and quick wit to Hickory and the Tin Man. His moments of longing for a heart were genuinely moving, and the final scene between him and Dorothy pulled at mine. His interaction with the Wizard (David Coffee) was one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the show. The lines exchanged in that scene made the entire audience pause and feel something real.

E. Mani Cadet was a perfect fit for Zeke and the Cowardly Lion. His comic instincts are sharp and he knows how to milk a moment without overplaying it. His musical numbers had the right amount of flair, and the nod to The Lion King was a fun touch. His dynamic with the Scarecrow and Tin Man added so much to their journey.

David Coffee as Professor Marvel and the Wizard was pitch-perfect. His voice boomed when it needed to and softened when it mattered most. You can say many things about David Coffee, his experience, his warmth, his heart, but you better not call him a humbug, because that is one thing he absolutely is not.

Kerry Conte as Aunt Em and Glinda brought gentle power and grace to both roles. She lit up the stage as Glinda and had an easy chemistry with the Munchkin ensemble that added extra charm to her scenes. She was the perfect foil to Michele Ragusa’s wickedness and brought real poise to Oz.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!

Penelope Rhoads brought confidence and charm to the role of the Mayor of Munchkinland and led the youth ensemble with style. Every child in that ensemble should be proud of themselves. They were sharp, confident, and totally in sync. They nailed every beat, every entrance, every mark. Watching them work together with such focus and joy was one of the highlights of the night, and you could see so clearly the future they each have in the arts. If this is what the next generation has in store while performing, we’re in excellent hands.

Ensemble members who deserve special mention include Sarah Crane, who played a Tree and a Jitterbug and also served as Dance Captain. Her comic timing and movement were right on point, especially in the tap sequence. Emma Kantor’s dancing as a Jitterbug was crisp and spot on. Jake Siffert, John Newrohr, and Andrew Leggieri brought humor and perfect tandem dance moves to the crows in “If I Only Had a Brain” and were the perfect back up Ethan’s Scarecrow. 

Behind the Curtain

Matthew Stern’s music direction filled the theater with a sound that felt sweeping and nostalgic. From the first note to the curtain call, the music filled the air and added emotion and depth to every scene.

Rebecca Glick’s costume coordination deserves applause as well. From Kansas prairie looks to full-on technicolor fantasy, every outfit set the tone and built the world. The attention to detail made the cast feel immersed in their roles and made each scene that much more believable.

Ryan M. Howell’s scenic design and Jack Mehler’s lighting created real visual magic. The glowing floor as the yellow brick road was stunning, and the use of the lift for Glinda’s bubble entrances and the Wizard’s balloon exit added theatrical flair and theater ~magic~ that felt right at home in the round.

Somewhere Over the Rough Spots

While there’s a lot to love in this production, there were a few moments where things didn’t quite click. The runtime listed in the program was about 2 hours and 20 minutes, but opening night ran closer to 2 hours and 50. That extra half hour made a noticeable difference: especially for the youngest audience members who were clearly getting antsy toward the end. A bit of tightening, especially in scene transitions, would help the pacing overall.

The live dog playing Toto, though adorable, seemed reluctant to be on stage during this particular performance and it was clear he was having an off night. He missed some entrances and looked visibly uncomfortable onstage at times. There were several moments where it felt like the actors were having to manage the pup’s unpredictability, which unintentionally pulled focus away from the action. Working with animals is always a gamble, and sometimes it just doesn’t go as planned.

There were also a few minor technical issues with sound, mics coming in and out, levels being uneven, making some lines hard to hear. It wasn’t constant, but it was enough to break the rhythm now and then. That said, these are the types of things that tend to iron themselves out quickly once a show settles into its run. 

There’s No Place Like North Shore

There’s something so timeless about The Wizard of Oz and this production is absolutely a love letter to Oz. It celebrates what makes the story so beloved while letting in a little modern humor, strong performances, and a ton of heart. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time, reminiscing about your childhood Halloween costume, or sharing the magic with the next generation, this production will welcome you with open arms. So grab a seat, follow the yellow brick road, and don’t forget: sometimes the magic you’re looking for has been with you all along. And in this case, it’s clicking its heels eight shows a week right there onstage in Beverly . The Wizard of Oz runs through July 20.

📸: Paul Lyden