“You’re off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. You’ll find he is a whiz of a Wiz if ever a Wiz there was. If ever, oh ever, a Wiz there was, the Wizard of Oz is one because…Because, because, because, because, because…Because of the wonderful things he does.”

The Munchkins said it first, and they pretty well summarize the wondrous collaborations we’ve seen Frazier Mountain High School Drama Club mentor Kat Fair achieve with strong community partnerships over the past four years. Her goal this year was to develop student producers. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz appears to be proof of a charming success.

Ramona Blomquist and Lindsey Hancock stepped up as co-producers.

Whimsical costumes, witty special effects and a casually wry set of performances took on a special sparkle in the musical interludes, making this a delightful and entertaining evening. David Stenstrom’s generous comic talents were a riot as Professor Marvel, the Gate Keeper and the Wizard of Oz.

Lindsey Hancock was a wonderful Cowardly Lion. We could have listened to her repeat her Lion songs three times in a row if only the audience had a “rewind” button. Amelia Nommensen had a perfect glitch in her step as Tin Man. She brought a comic and serious touch to her role that was fun to watch.

The staging was silly and consistently fresh in a laid back “we’re all in this moment of pretend together” sort of way. Gonzalo Lomeli appeared to be a rock as stage manager. Ashley Morris’ makeup and hair talents were well-conceived and executed.

The audience loved the cast of thousands, that included Munchkins, Flying “Monkies,” Trees, Winkies and Oz Women.

—P. Hedlund

This is part of the November 20, 2009 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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