A Magical Day at the Levoy Theatre: The Wizard of Oz
by Lori Caplan Clark
Stepping into the Levoy Theatre in Millville, NJ, for The Wizard of Oz felt like entering a portal to a whimsical world where anything is possible. The Levoy, a truly beautiful space, set the perfect stage for this beloved classic, enchanting both the young and the young at heart. The theatre’s commitment to creating a full experience for its audience was evident in every detail. The lobby, adorned with Wizard of Oz-themed décor, set the scene, while inside the theatre, while waiting for the overture, music from the show, music box style, played, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere.
Directed by Maura Mather Jarve, the production captured the magic of The Wizard of Oz with a fresh, vibrant energy. In a show as iconic as this, actors must either stay true to the classic portrayals or breathe new life into the characters, and this production managed to do both—quite successfully. The result was a delightful blend of familiarity and innovation that added new flavor to the timeless tale.
Kylie Barden, as Dorothy Gale, was a lovely choice for the role. She oozed sweetness and innocence, and her voice was pure and beautiful, capturing the essence of the character. Other standouts included Hannah Lee DeFrates as Aunt Em/Glinda. Hers was a Glinda who felt totally new (perhaps inspired by the character of Glinda in Wicked?) and her stunning vocals added a magical quality to the role. Nerys Muller’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch was a welcome departure from the usual. Her character was more glamorous and sophisticated, offering a new and intriguing take on the iconic villain.
Dorothy’s friends, Scarecrow (Marco Baruffi), Tin Man (Jebediah Eachus), and Lion (Mike Palmreuter), delivered satisfying performances that mixed old and new. The Lion and Tin Man successfully brought the classic interpretations we know and love, while the Scarecrow stood out with a fresh twist. Baruffi’s Scarecrow, complete with a southern accent and youthful energy, felt like a true companion for Dorothy—a character with whom she would genuinely be best friends.
The adult and children’s ensembles were excellent, with standout performances from Mason Louis Diaz (Mayor of Munchkinland/Nikko), Brayden McPherson (Coroner of Munchkinland/Dance Ensemble), Chloe Kappeler, Julia Acquesta, Paisley Jenkins (Munchkinland Tots); and Megan Panter, Hanna Shein, and Michaela Carey (Trees); among so many others. A special nod goes to the “Celestial Voices”—Christine Barden, Patty Davis, Jordan Rambo, Abigail Elwell, Meghan Glaspey, Samantha Hassa, Ronessa Acquesta, and Jennely Aquino—whose dulcet tones were simply heavenly.
The production’s technical aspects were equally impressive. The use of the fly system, provided by ZFX Flying Effects, was ingenious, allowing for memorable moments such as Elmira Gulch’s transformation into the Wicked Witch, the sight of flying monkeys actually flying, and a hot air balloon that really floated away. (That sequence, while imaginative, did leave me wishing for a glimpse of the actual balloon, rather than just the basket, but it worked well, nonetheless.)
The Wizard himself (Hank Chandless) was portrayed as a massive moving sculpture, a creative choice I found totally delightful. It was an impressive visual, and one that added a layer of grandeur to the production.
The production team, including Choreographer Amanda Ilena Ellis, Stage Manager Carrie G. Ellis, Hair/Make-Up Designer John Rattacasa, and Costumer Ellen Mather, deserves high praise for their contributions. The costumes were vibrant and true to the characters, and the hair and makeup added the finishing touches that brought the characters fully to life.
In all, The Wizard of Oz at the Levoy Theatre was a delightful journey down the Yellow Brick Road. The attention to detail, from the set design to the special effects, made this production a memorable experience for everyone in attendance. For me, one of the greatest joys of this show was seeing the little ones in the audience. They were completely captivated from start to finish, often sitting on the edge of their seats in wide-eyed wonder – a true testament to the magic of live theatre.
The Wizard of Oz plays now through August 18, purchase your tickets at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1039052/the-wizard-of-oz-millville-levoy-theatre?partner_id=100
