Except this.... here is my review for the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of The Wizard of Oz
I loved the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of "The Wizard of Oz" (now playing at the Orpheum Theatre in SF) - and here's why
Ever since the movie in 1939, there have been 1000's productions of "The Wizard of Oz" using the stage adaptation. In the 80's, the RSC in London mounted a production using the film score and all the songs from the movie. This version has become the more popular licensed version. Perfect for those who want to put the movie on stage. I've always felt that The Wizard of Oz was more of a play with music because when you think about it, the score is pretty sparse. In fact, in Act Two, there's not much there. 3 songs and a finale and that's about it - and A LOT of underscore. It's more of a workout for the orchestra than the actors.
People have been trying to put movies on stage for a long time. Some have succeeded - like "The Wedding Singer" - but in that case, a whole new score was written. "Meet Me In St Louis" went from screen to stage -but not really successfully. New songs were written and the movie script was pretty much un-touched. In other words, songs weren't used to advance the plot very well.
In this case of "The Wizard of Oz", Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have written new songs, the script has been edited, but the integrity of the material has been retained. It's now a slick version of "The Wizard of Oz" There is an "opening" number, both witches have songs, the wizard has a song and now it's a real musical. The song "If I were King of the Forest" is no where to be found, but you don't really miss it because it really doesn't advance the plot at all. The "Jitterbug" is absent also, but who really cares? It's not in the movie.
If you love the material, see this show. If all you care about is the movie, don't bother.
