The Wizard of Oz: full of wonder from the first act

Attempts by legendary songwriting team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to improve upon The Wizard of Oz are not always successful.

Jemma Rix as the Wicked Witch of the West and Samantha Dodemaide as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Picture: Jeff Busby

Is it possible to improve upon a classic? In the case of The Wizard of Oz, legendary songwriting team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice won’t die wondering.

Their 2011 update created for London’s West End has dropped from the sky for an Australian tour, bringing with it the frame of the much-loved movie and some new furniture (a clutch of extra songs for the leads).

The opening scenes in Kansas are beautifully rendered but ­unnecessarily busy. There are knowing references to the film and a new song for Dorothy. Both would better be left out.

In her breakout leading role, Samantha Dodemaide is undaunted by the early Everest of Over the Rainbow, even when her Aussie terrier co-star repeatedly upstages her. Dodemaide has a clear, sweet voice and plays it safe, despite being capable of a strong belt. It is a vocal performance that will no doubt build.

The first act nicely captures the wonder of the movie for children of all ages, while serving lashings of camp for the adults. The Munchkinland scenes burst with giddy joy and the arrival ­sequence at Emerald City pops with stylised choreography. This yellow brick road is paved with gold, evidenced by the glitter bomb of a gown for Glinda — one of the many eye-popping creations of costume and set designer Robert Jones. Lighting (Hugh Vanstone), sound (Mick Potter), and video design (Jon Driscoll) effectively combine to take us into the eye of the twister and ­beyond.

Jemma Rix (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Lucy Durack (Glinda) unveil older, softer versions of the same characters from Wicked that made them stars, and bicker as two ­sisters, rather than mortal enemies. The Wicked Witch’s new number, Red Shoes Blues, sym­bolises the flagging energy and focus of act two.

Happily, Anthony Warlow gets stronger songs to play with. The first, Wonders of the World, reminds us of his gifts as a storyteller and showman. Bring me the Broomstick, which closes act one, spotlights the stentorian voice we know and love. It is a pleasure to watch him inhabit both characters, which he infuses with ­fatherly care.

For all of the wizardry on stage, one of the production’s most effective elements remains largely invisible. Laura Tipoki leads a glorious 12-member ­orchestra capable of coaxing every ounce of colour and magic from David Cullen’s lush orchestrations. Wonderful.

Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, November 9. Tickets: $49-$179. Bookings: 136 246 or online. Duration: 2hrs 30mins including interval. Until December 3, then Sydney from December 30; Adelaide from April 3; Melbourne from May 15.