The excitement for this beloved show coupled with the inspiration that wide-eyed children get when they see their peers on stage is already well worth the ticket price to Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s newest production of The Wizard of Oz. As more families swoop up the already scarce tickets, this is one of those shows that sparks the imagination of a new generation of superstars that we will be awed by in future productions. Where the show may disappoint on a technical level, it more than makes up with some incredible performances and unabashed cuteness.
With Oz’s long history and the substantial buzz about town for this show, I’m sure you know the plot. Dorothy gets transported to a magical land in a tornado. She takes out a witch, meets some other ones, gets some cool pumps, befriends some misfits and seeks the help of a wizard to get stuff for her friends and a way home.
Marina Benson is a perfect Dorothy. She somehow melds a Disney princess, a classic Garland ingénue, a naive farm girl and a familiar friend with a beautiful voice. Brandy Rose as Auntie Em/Glenda also delivers powerful vocals and easily steps back into a leading role with an effortless and masterful performance. Tina Tomata always delivers greatness; her Uncle Henry, Tree and Oz Guard are no different. Every scene she is in benefits the entire world of the show. Ruben Botello’s Tin Man is classic, though I wished there was more juxtaposition between his solid rust state and well-oiled machine. Mathew Lewis’ Scarecrow has some hilarious moments. As his confidence grows, I look forward to seeing him fully give into the physicality of the character to match his stunning singing. I wanted to see more of Sharleen Lagattua’s interpretation of Miss Gulch/the Wicked Witch. At times I saw more of a fantastic impression of Margaret Hamilton than I did her. Although, when she does shine through, she casts a spell and elevates her character. Jim Buschmann’s Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz has some pacing/rhythm issues but still delivers kind-hearted charlatan. Michele Simms’ Cowardly Lion deserves a standing ovation and loud “Bravo!” It may be the best performance I have seen this year and should undoubtedly land them a nomination in the Journal’s Best of Humboldt. The cast is rounded out by 23 of the most dedicated performers I’ve seen in an ensemble with Cerise Howard (who makes everyone smile in every appearance) as a standout.
I wish the magical performances were equally supported by the magic of Oz. Unfortunately, Carl McGahan’s set design doesn’t inspire the wonder of the world. Munchkinland, though brightly colored, is missing mystical foliage and the wow factor that warrants the transition into this wonderous setting. Perhaps the tornado scene, absent its frenetic energy and controlled chaos, aids in an underwhelming reveal. The stunning painted background helps but reads more tarot card illustration than limitless childhood imagination. Further, the audience faces a black curtain in scenes that should be inside the Emerald City (which is portrayed simply with fabric and a moniker “OZ”). The apple tree scene and field of poppies are more imaginative but carried more by the acting than the setting. Sydnee Stanton’s imaginative, textured and energetic lighting design saves the oversight but could still benefit from a pre-production color lab. Linda Muggeridge’s lovely costume design sometimes gets washed out as emerald costumes turn black, brown and odd shades of pea soup that clash against painted sets that are also washed out in intensity.
Finally, Ferndale’s sound issues are a thing of the past. Jessie Rawson adds to her titles of director, choreographer and managing artistic producer with much-appreciated attention to the system that let the actors truly shine (with the expertise of music director Elaine Yslas, of course). Thank the theater gods!
Though it may not be a traditional holiday show in content, the audience is treated to all the benefits of one: love, laughter and joy with the warmth of family and gratitude for life. Take the kids and inspire them to make the theater their home (*insert heel clicking).
Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz continues with performances on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., through Dec. 21. Visit ferndalerep.org.
Tiggerbouncer Custodio (he/she/they) is an empowered queer Indigenous Filipino artist whose works have been seen on Humboldt stages and elsewhere.
NOW PLAYING
NCRT’s production of A Christmas Carol continues at the 5th and D Street Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through Dec. 7. Visit ncrt.net.
COMING SOON
The Arcata Playhouse’s holiday pantomime The Dungeon, the Dragon and the Wizard of Doom casts its magic Dec. 5-14. Visit playhousearts.org.
Longshadr’s Yet Another Non-Profit Christmas Carol takes the stage at Mad River Grange Dec. 9-14. Call (707) 677-5011.
This article appears in Holiday Gift Guide 2025.