The Magical Wizard of Oz

Repertory Philippines's "The Wizard of Oz"

Everyone is so familiar with the 1939 "The Wizard of Oz" film that they forgot this show was actually a novel turned into a stage play then into a film! Some of the adults among the audience were wondering why the songs of the stage play is different from the film. Well, the answer to this is because the rights which Repertory Philippines got is for the stage play and not for the film so the actors cannot sing any songs from the film. Anyway, the show is made for children who might not be familiar with the 1939 film.

The magical element of the show was created brilliantly by Repertory Philippines that it magically brings any adult back to its childhood when the only thing evil in this world is the evil witch and there's always a good fairy to the rescue!

The stage looks like a time machine before the show started.

When the show started, we see Toto tied to a chair. I applaud Repertory Philippines for getting such a well behaved dog! No matter what's happening on the show, the dog didn't bark or ran away from the actors. By the end of the show, Dorothy was holding the dog while dancing and it's just still.

See the well-behaved Toto at the left side?

As we all know, because of the tornado, Dorothy travels to the land of the Munchkins. Out of the darkness came light and one can hear the excitement of talking kids watching when they saw the Munchkins. Even adults in the theater giggle in delight! The costume of the munchkins are so colorful that they look like they've popped out from a cartoon on the television! I remember someone said that they look like cakes that moved! *They're extremely yummy looking!*

When Glinda came out, she was so beautiful! The role suits Liesl Batucan so well that she looks like she can fly with her wand and light blue shiny dress!

The Scarecrow looks very believable with its fluid movements to show that it is made out of grass. The costume of the Tin Man is perfectly how I have imagined it to be! The Cowardy Lion is so cute and doesn't look scary at all which defines why the lion is a coward.

The costume of the Wicked Witch of the West reminds me of the Evil Queen from Snow White which made the witch absolutely evil looking. The green make up paired with the bright red lipstick, made a scary face glow!

My favorite song which played in my mind over and over again even days after watching the show is, "So Far So Good." I think when you watch the show, you'll understand why and might sing together with them in the middle of the show! *I did! Haha!* I can even see the characters when I close my eyes with the song playing together. Here's the lyrics for your enjoyment -

So Far So Good

Follow the road of yellow brick

So far, so good but where do we go from here?

There are many roads to travel I fear

So far, so good, we'll follow the road because

Because we're on our way to see the Wizard of Oz

Follow the road of yellow brick

So far, so good but where do we go from here?

There are many roads to travel I fear

So far, so good, we'll follow the road because...

Because we're on our way to see the Wizard of...

on our way to see the Wizard of...

on our way to see the Wizard of Oz

The citizens of Oz

Follow the road of yellow brick

After the show, there was a surprise tribute for Ms. Joy Virata who have been producing Rep Children's Theater for 20 years! Some of the actors who have become a part of Rep Children's Theater performed excerpts of the show they were in!

After the show, some casts of "The Wizard of Oz" started singing for the tribute.

The statistics of Joy Virata's productions

Looking Back: The young Joy Virata with her husband and baby.

One of the excerpts was from "The Emperor's New Clothes" which was the very first Rep Show that I've watched and got me hooked to theater. When I was a little girl, I've always wanted to attend Rep's Summer Workshops to undergo acting workshop but since it was pricey for my family, I wasn't able to attend any and just joined my school's Drama Guild. Until now, one of my bucket list is to act professionally in even just one show because of Rep's influence. =) I'm sure when you look at my pictures below, you'll find something familiar when you've catched one of Rep Children's Theater.

The three fairies - Guess from which show they're from!

The guy from "The Emperor's New Clothes" is there beside the blue fairy.

Going back to the show, "The Wizard of Oz," it is showing until December 16, 2012. So there's lots of time to bring your kids or date to watch the show while it's still running.