Well, I went to see The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium today. I really enjoyed it. Of course, the movie is such a big part of my childhood (as it is with lots of people, of course) that maybe that has something to do with it.
Michael Crawford was fine as the Wizard, but as in the movie, he has a small role. As a matter of fact, he was not the final actor to take a bow--the actress playing Dorothy, Danielle Hope was given that honor, understandably.
I hardly recognized Michael Crawford. Before the show I was standing across the street and saw a poster from the show. I thought to myself: "Is Rip Taylor in this production?"
Just about all the songs from the movie were included. The only one I can think of that was missing was "If I Were King of the Forest." There were a few new songs---the only memorable one was sung by Glinda, the Good Witch --it had to do with the theme "there's no place like home."
I have to say it took getting used to the different voices of the characters. I didn't care too much for the actress playing The Wicked Witch. Hannah Waddingham (I know I've heard of her before -just can't think of what I've seen her in) was out so the understudy went on.
The sets are pretty amazing, especially the Wizard's "place." The dog playing Toto was adorable and even barked at Miss Gulch when required. Most of the time, though, he was on a leash. It looked a little silly when Glinda was leading him along while the Munchkins and Dorothy were singing.
There were a few gay references which seemed to go over the heads of most audience members (of course it was made up of about 50% children). At one point, the Cowardly Lion tells the Tinman he's acting like a sissy, who says something like "takes one to know one." The Lion's response: "I am what I am." And the following line had about 3 people laughing: The group is meeting the Wizard of Oz. The Wizard asks, "Who's Dorothy?" Dorothy says "I'm Dorothy." The Lion walks up to her, takes her hand and says " And I'm proud to say I'm a friend of Dorothy." I'm wondering if those who buy the t-shirt that says "Friend of Dorothy" have an idea of its meaning!
Speaking of the aforementioned audience members, I was prepared for talkative children, but the little girl in my row was talking constantly for awhile. At intermission (interval in Britspeak) I glanced over and saw she was about 7 years old (I had been thinking she was about 4). And it was funny when one child yelled out "It's the Munchkins!"
I know a topic recently discussed here was when the audience claps in rhythm during the bows. That's bad enough--some woman across from me started doing that during the song "We're off to see the Wizard," and lots of people followed here lead. It was very annoying!
Well, that's the end of my London stay.
Tomorrow I'm flying to Newcastle.
