To Oz

Photo courtesy Joan Marcus

I have been a fan of the Wizard of Oz for as long as I can remember. In fact, many times I believe that I am Dorothy: I delight in skipping around the grocery store with a basket, I’m known to wrangle my abundant brown curls into ponytails on weekends, and I have quite the collection of ruby slippers. So, you can imagine my excitement that the Pittsburgh Broadway Series has brought the show to Heinz Hall this week. I went on opening night, with three good friends (á la Miss Gale), the sparkling bows on my toes turning Penn Avenue, Downtown, into a virtual yellow brick road. The downside of living a double life as Dorothy is that a stage performance, albeit by talented, non-equity actors, may, in its poetic liberties, prove to be much different than the Oz I’ve imagined for myself. Kristin Stewart, as Glinda, takes notes from her character in Wicked and puts a “popular” spin on the good witch in pink. Pat Sibley, the show’s Wicked Witch of the West, brings sarcasm to the character. Jesse Coleman is more comedian than cowardly lion. And there’s a whole ensemble of zany, dancing characters to meet and “Jitter Bug” with. Even Casey Okenka is lighter, brighter Barbie-esque version of our Kansas girl (Or maybe it’s just that this town isn’t big enough for the two of us : ) The show’s star? Toto. The touring terrier hit every one of his marks to tremendous applause of the audience. He, alone, is worth the price of admission.

For tickets, visit pgharts.org, and for more events, visit whirlmagazine.com.