“The Wizard of Oz” is a household name – a familiar story that takes you on a walk down the yellow brick road of memories. Oz feels like home, the characters feel like friends. And in the stage adaptation of this beloved film, these precious elements engulf the production, with a fresh sense of awe still surrounding it.
“The Wizard of Oz” will be at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Mass., from July 10-20, 2025. The whole family can enjoy the 2-hour and 20-minute show and follow the iconic story of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on their journey to see the Wizard.
The North Shore Music Theatre was founded in 1955, and has become one of the most attended theatres in New England. Being one of the few remaining theatre-in-the-round stages left in the United States, it truly offers a unique and exciting experience.
The production, which is directed by Robert W. Schneider, relies heavily on intricate lighting and screens to depict the setting and immerse the audience. From the sepia-toned lighting in Kansas, to the Emerald City on the screen with bright, green lighting coming from above, every component works together to create an alluring environment.
The first thing the audience hears when the production starts is the beautiful score, played by the theater’s live orchestra. This music – composed by Harold Arlen and written by E.Y. Harburg for the 1939 film – is all consuming, and the orchestra creates the tone for each scene before any action even takes place on stage.
The humor in the dialogue is a great mix between recognizable lines from the movie and new, modernized jokes to accommodate the changing of the times. The delivery by the actors really drove the jokes home, like the physical humor from Scarecrow and the light-hearted self-deprication from Cowardly Lion, getting laughs out of audience members of all ages.
The cast not only thrived in humor, but in every other area of their expertise. There was not a weak link in the cast; every actor excelled at singing, and they each made their character convincing and lovable – or unlikable, depending on the role. They were faithful to the original identities, but also had their own distinct personality.
And humans weren’t the only ones starring in “The Wizard of Oz.” Toto, played by the well-trained Bug Minnie, quickly became an audience favorite as he ran on and off the stage for his scenes.
Of course, the cast looked the part, too. The costuming tied the production together, adding to the enchanted feel. Nothing was too much, so it did not feel tacky in any way, but the attention to detail allowed for a happy medium that is pleasing to the eye.
Rebecca Glick, the costume coordinator at the theater, creates every costume, alongside the set and props. The theater prides itself in going above and beyond to produce the best quality shows, and hand-making every part of its productions is a huge part of that.
Choreography is significant in musicals, and while it could have been a bit more eye-catching in this show, the dance numbers were still amazing in their own way. The background dancers had their time to shine, and occasional tap dancing – specifically by Tin Man, played by Sean Bell – added more visual dimension and extra rhythm.
Unlike any other traditional theater, there is an element of surprise in store for attendees. Without giving much away, audience members will be glancing up from time to time as these special effects add a sense of wonder to the room.
The production was prefaced with a dedication to the “Young in Heart,” reminding the audience that for almost 90 years “The Wizard of Oz” has shown that there is, undoubtedly, no place like home. So whether you are returning to the story or embarking on the adventure for the first time, this show will carry you away to the beloved land of Oz.
For tickets and more information, visit the North Shore Music Theatre’s website HERE.)
–July 11, 2025–
