GRANDVIEW, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An eventful season wound down to its conclusion Sunday for Theatre West Virginia, who have battled the elements throughout the summer to bring live entertainment not only to West Virginia residents, but passers-through from various other states – and even countries – as well.
Though the organization’s run of shows for The Wizard of Oz was initially slated to conclude with Saturday’s production, Theatre West Virginia General Manager Scott Hill was able to secure an additional night for the show – much to the delight of those in attendance.
It was another humid evening as the line for tickets at the Cliffside Amphitheatre extended along the front wall of the entryway.
The evening was marked by a litany of performance highlights – many, but certainly not all, of which were discussed in LOOTPRESS coverage of Wednesday’s production, which can be seen here.
Though equitable acknowledgment of each cast member’s individual triumphs might result in the both of us being here for the rest of the day (or longer) each role seems almost to have been perfectly cast, particularly those of the four leads – Michael Williams’ portrayal of the Tin Man, in an ironic turn, is perhaps endowed with more heart than that of any other character on the stage.
The wildly impressive choreography at play in the production is also worth noting, particularly during the section in which the Jitterbug is deployed by Sullivan’s Wicked Witch of the West as a means of incapacitating the four leads.
The Jitterbug, a musical number based on the titular creature, was written and filmed for the 1939 MGM production of the Wizard of Oz, though it was ultimately cut from the film in an effort to shorten the runtime.
This portion of the production featured extensive, rapid-fire choreography set to the groove of. high-tempo, hard-swinging Dixieland jazz number.
Stunning vocals, arresting costume and stage designs, and enthralling soundtrack work have made not only The Wizard of Oz, but the entire summer series, a wonder to experience.
It is with much appreciation and admiration that we commend the cast, crew, organizers, and sponsors for their work in making Theatre West Virginia’s 62nd Season possible, and it is with baited breath that we await what next year has in store!
For more information on Theatre West Virginia, visit their website here. Additional coverage of Theatre West Virginia can be found here, via LOOTPRESS’ exclusive profile series highlighting some of the cast and crew members for the 62nd season.