It was with great trepidation that I journeyed down to Long Beach to see a stage version of that beloved classic movie The Wizard of Oz, which starred Judy Garland with help from Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, Billie Burke, Jack Haley, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton, and of course those Munchkins. Though not highly successful at the time, the movie has gone on to be considered one of the top ten movies of all time in the American Film Institute rankings, and its signature song, “Over the Rainbow” was voted the “greatest movie song of all time,” again in an A.F.I. poll. How could any stage show measure up? Well, the production at Musical Theatre West comes pretty darn close.

First of all, it is an adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company, so it wasn’t made cute, a la Disney. What cuteness there is, is a result of being faithful to the ideas, the design, and the characters of the original. Deidre Haren, who just completed her third year in the respected musical program at U.C. Irvine, makes a fine Dorothy. Her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” is simple, lovely, and her own. John Bisom, one of my favorite Southland musical performers, is terrific as the Scarecrow and even makes us believe he might just be made of straw. Todd Nielson makes a charming and heartfelt Tin Man. John Massey, a regular at Musical Theatre West, shuffles his way through as the Cowardly Lion. He doesn’t come near Burt Lahr in the part and seems a bit weary (perhaps it’s the costume and all that dancing), but he makes a gallant attempt.

Glinda the good witch is performed by Teri Bibb, who comes close to being a Billie Burke clone. Natalie Nucci is the Wicked Witch, and though she is a bit young for the part she flies with the best of them. Nils Anderson makes a believable and avuncular Wizard. Local children who can really dance and who sing adorably play those darn Munchkins. Eugene Pidgeon, who is no stranger to the role and a real little person, plays the Mayor. All told the cast is over 40, and I understand that it is the most expensive show in M.T.W. history, with altogether 105 persons involved in the production. These include the great-sounding orchestra, well led by Jeff Rizzo, who is never given a rest due to the amount of incidental music.

A lot of the praise must go to the director Shauna Markey, who seems to be making a career of this musical. She does a terrific job and is supported by wonderful sets and costumes. The numerous flying monkeys, witches, and balloons are all provided by ZFX Flying Effects. So you don’t have to go “over the rainbow” to find a good show, because it’s playing at Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Center until July 27th.