Review: The Wizard of Oz by Zach Theatre
by Vanessa Hoang Hughes

Zach Theater’s The Wizard of Oz closely follows the yellow-brickroad into a new world. The 1939  MGM film  was nominated for six best picture for the 1940 Academy Awards, lost out to Gone with the Wind, but was awarded Best Score, Best Song ("Over the Rainbow"), and a special juvenile award for Judy Garland. It became a touchstone of U.S. cinematic memory from 1959 when televised annually in the early years of color television. The stage adaptation has many original songs and a few new ones as well.

 

Director Dave Steakley stages a new take on that classic, adding a  modern Texan spin. He's kept the Topfer mainstage in-the-round setup from Waitress, converting it from a diner to Oz. Actors dance on tables mere inches from the audience, wander through the aisles, and pop up on and off stage, bringing the audience into the world of the show. The visually appealing interative setup meant that at times creative movement, choreography, and shifting set pieces meant briefly blocked sightlines for some in the audience.

 

Music director Allen Robertson, the live band, and singing ensemble greet the entering audience with a lively medley of tunes including “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “You are My Sunshine.” As soon as the singalong ends, Dorothy Gale enters through the audience. Moriah Poh's Dorothy carries an adorable live dog playing Toto.

 

Poh sings a very passionate rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” after Toto is taken from her. Her clear notes and confident presence give the audience a new Dorothy still reminiscent of Garland in the film. 

 

Rick Roemer played a very amusing Professor Marvel, the phony magician Dorothy meets after running away. During the performance I attended, Roemer set both parents and children laughing as he improv'd his way through the malfunction of his fake mustache.

 

Ominous blue and green lights fill the space during the tornado sequence. Dancers parade frantically about the stage with billowing gray flags as an aerialist spins from a rope dangling at center stage. Once in Oz, the audience is greeted by a charming student munchkin ensemble. The munchkins stole everyone’s hearts, dancing and singing an impressive sequence in bright, wacky costumes.

 

Raphe Gillam brought excellent physicality to his role as the Scarecrow, flopping and falling as if he  really made of straw. Conner Coughlin's Tinman charms with an impressive tap number as he un-rusts. Ryan Everett Wood's hilarious entrance as the Cowardly Lion evoked core movie memories with his Lion but kept it his own. Interacting with audience members at every chance, he was instantly a favorite. 

 

Elora von Rosch brought a sassier, funnier take to the Wicked Witch. Her song “The Jitterbug,” filmed in 1939 but edited out of the final version, came with a jazzy dance and riffs galore. 

 

Josh Assor’s choreography made each number magical. Especially memorable were the tornado, the munchkin troop, and the field of poppies . The familiar score and live onstage band reminded many of the wonders of musical theatre. 

 

With many small details Steakley’s innovative yet nostalgic production of The Wizard of Oz gives Austinites a show they could still connect to and relate with. Dorothy’s red slippers became red cowboy boots, providing a vivid image for marketing while reminding patrons they were supporting live theatre in central Texas. This engaging, colorful large-scale show, running until September 21, will bring wonder and amusement to the many who come to share the Oz experience.

 

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The Wizard of Oz - An Immersive Take on the Beloved Tale
by Adapted from L. Fran Baum by Jim Eiler, Jeanne Bargy
Zach Theatre

August 13 - September 21, 2025

Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays

Topfer Stage at Zach Theatre, Austin

Tickets $27 - $105

Click HERE for reservations and tickets

Special events in celebration of The Wizard of Oz:

• Pay What You Wish Week – Wednesday, August 13 through Sunday, August 17, 2025
• Pride Night – Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Press Night – Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm ; Press may RSVP to nicole.shiro@motleycrewmedia.com
• Zachademia Night – Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Champagne Opening – Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• ASL Performance – Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:30 pm