The Wizard of Oz travels over the rainbow to Manila

After being away from the Philippines for over a decade, I returned a very different G from when I left. The main difference obviously is I now have a family of my own with two children to tend to. While raising my children in Los Angeles, my days were consumed with making sure I kept abreast with cultural events and activities that my entire family could experience together.

Being back in Manila, these affairs are few and far between. Which is why I am ecstatic about Repertory Philippines’ latest offering of the musical The Wizard of Oz. Sure, my children have watched the MGM movie adaptation but nothing beats live theater especially in the eyes of a child where fantasy really comes alive before their very eyes. Take note, however, that the musical is not taken from the MGM film version as the music is by Jeanne Bargy and Jim Eiler, and book and lyrics by Jim Eiler.

The cast is composed of the following: Cara Barredo and Giannina Ocampo as Dorothy; Liesl Batucan and Kyla Rivera as Glinda the Good Witch; Pinky Marquez and Rem Zamora as the Wicked Witch of the West; James Stacey and Arnel Carrion as the Scarecrow; Hans Eckstein and Nic Campos as the Tin Man; Oliver Usison and Mano Domingo as the Lion; Nathalie Everett and Ayam Barredo Eckstein as Aunt Em; Rem Zamora and Chino Veguillas as Uncle Henry; Bobby Superales, Jim Ferrer, Deo dela Cruz and Clark dela Riva as the acrobats and Monkeys.

I got to see Cara in the lead role and there is no denying that she is a perfect Dorothy as her saccharine sweet voice was a joy to listen to. Pinky was fun to watch as the wicked Witch of the West especially in her bubbling stew potion number but I am puzzled as to how the ever dependable thespian Rem would portray the green-skinned villain. I may just have to go back to watch Rem as I am sure it will be a riot. I have to specially mention how gorgeous the costume design of the production was such as the colorful outfits of the munchkins, the swarms of emerald greenness and the swath of bright entangled material on the ferocious tumbling monkeys made the show a spectacle to behold. I must commend the physicality of the Scarecrow character as well. Bravo, Repertory!

(The Wizard of Oz, directed by Joy Virata, opened over the weekend and will run until Dec. 16 at Onstage 2/F Greenbelt 1. Bring your children to the theater so they may experience this delightful production!)