Review: Theatre Cedar Rapids conjures up magical ‘Wizard of Oz’

CEDAR RAPIDS — “The Wizard of Oz” soars because, because, because, because, because — because of the wonderful things Theatre Cedar Rapids does with this production, which continues through Dec. 17.

The beloved music, dialogue, characters and tornado are all there, but with delightful twists that give today’s audiences scenes cut from the film, musical introductions seldom, if ever, heard, and plenty of visual razzle dazzle.

That’s all necessary when the top ticket price soars to $75, factoring in handling fees. To TCR’s credit, buyers have various price points from which to choose, starting at $25. The student price also is $25 across the board, even for the $75, $59, $52 and $25 adult seats.

The people paying $75 cheered just as loudly and jumped to their feet just as quickly as those paying $25 during Friday’s opening night performance. Clearly, they felt they got their money’s worth, even at a pretty steep price for an organization that at its roots is a community theater. But TCR burst through that mold decades ago, employing an all-professional staff leading the way, and many Broadway-quality performers — and a few Broadway veterans — in leading roles in recent years.

Still, if I were paying top dollar, I wouldn’t want to see a couple of stagehands scurrying across the stage, even though they tried to cross behind the scenery, while the actors were speaking. Any motion — even in the background — is going to catch viewers’ eyes, making them disengage from the story unfolding near the audience.

Kudos to Theatre Cedar Rapids

But TCR has pulled out all the stops for a top-dollar production in which monkeys fly, cows fly, witches fly, Dorothy flies — and everything is fly, from the ruby slippers to the stylish poppies’ elaborate Edwardian red gowns and spectacular hats.

The first round of applause goes to Rhylee Larson, 16, who brings new dimensions of character to Dorothy, from sassiness to anguish. The Linn-Mar High School junior has had featured roles over the years, but this is her finest hour.

My mom said I wore the grooves off my 45 record of Judy Garland singing “Over the Rainbow.” But Larson plumbs deeper depths of emotion, and dare I say, is even better in the context of the show. Her “Rainbow” reprise is emotionally shattering, causing more than a few tears to flow among the full-house audience.

Her Ozian comrades — Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion — are at the top of their games, physically and vocally.

Jenub Wan apparently has no bones, when his Scarecrow finds his legs for the first time – and throughout perilous predicaments.

Brandon Burkhardt needs to head to New York after he graduates from the University of Iowa. His Tinman (who has a rather gruesome back story) is perfection. The only time he doesn’t move stiff-legged is when he breaks into a mind-blowing tap dance. And his voice — a glorious resonance that made TCR’s Cinderella swoon in 2021 — shivers the timbers around Oz, too.

James Odegaard brings so much humor and delight to his Cowardly Lion. He truly is the King of the Forest.

Ready to derail their every move is the Wicked Witch of the West. Jessica Link, one of the Corridor’s finest dramatic actors, finds lovely wickedness at every turn. With a knowing wink, she uses snark to spark dialogue that’s so delicious, whether she’s the buzzkill Miss Amira Gulch who wants to cart off Toto, or the Witch who wants to kill Dorothy to claim the ruby slippers.

Nevermind that her two characters are the only non-singers in the show. Link sings with every operatic twist of her evil wand and whim.

And Toto. His entrance drew the biggest aahs in this “Oz.” Link’s husband, puppet master Joe Link, has created a realistic marionette-style dog expertly operated by Sam Shannon. “Annie” can get away with using a live pooch in a couple of scenes. Toto gets so much stage time that a real pup would never work. Puppet Toto is the cat’s meow.

The look; the sound; Jess Helberg’s elegant, imaginative costumes; the amazing vocal talent; Janelle Lauer’s orchestra; the tornado technology; S. Benjamin Farrar’s stunning scenery, lighting and visual effects; Megan Robinson’s vibrant choreography; Sarah Fried’s fun wigs; and Angie Toomsen’s visionary direction create sheer magic for 2 1/2 hours.

Tickets are going quickly, so don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss the hottest show in town, at any price.

Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com