Wednesday , March 27 2024
The tale of The Woods Man shaped from L. Frank Baum's forgotten stories written after The Wizard of Oz is haunting and poignant. Performed with the use of Bunraku puppetry, the creations of evil and magic are made alive and frightening. The production is exceptional and heartfelt. If you loved The Wizard of Oz, it is a must see.

Theater Review (NYC): ‘The Woodsman’ by James Ortiz

The Woods Man by James Ortiz, directed by James Ortiz and Claire Karpen, presented by Strangemen & Co. at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Hunter Canning.
The Woodsman by James Ortiz, directed by James Ortiz and Claire Karpen, presented by Strangemen & Co. at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Hunter Canning.

L. Frank Baum wrote 13 original and canonical Oz books after the success of the first book in the series, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) .Baum went on to write plays and musicals based on the Oz series and after he died, a host of other works some based on his work (the canon) and some elaborating an alternate Oz have been created. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wicked Years) by Gregory Maguire, the book that was used to create the Broadway musical Wicked, is in the latter category.

The Woodsman, directed by James Ortiz and Claire Karpen and presented by Strangemen & Co. fits into the L.Frank Baum canon and is based on Baum’s little known and poignant writings. The play, currently being performed at 59E59 Theaters until February 16th, cleverly spins out the events which occurred prior to the Tin Man’s salvation by Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

The Narrator (Ortiz) introduces the state of affairs after the Wicked Witch of the East lays siege to Munchkinland and enslaves the people of Blue, setting the scene for the action which is effected by the fantastic Bunraku puppetry and haunting melodies played by violinist Edward W. Hardy and composed by Hardy and Jennifer Loring (who also wrote the lyrics). The performers enact the background story of The Tin Man’s history and identity as The Woodsman before the Wicked Witch of the East’s placed a curse on him. We see his gentleness and loving heart bestowed and nurtured by his parents’ warm and affectionate upbringing. We are brought to the first of his heartbreaks: his mother dies when he is a young man. Then we appreciate his growth and maturity after his father passes. He has become a solid, resourceful, hard working individual. Though Nick Chopper is now alone, we understand he is a fine human being and has the makings of a hero and true lover.

James Ortiz in The Woods Man by James Ortiz, directed by James Ortiz and Claire Karpen, presented by Strangemen & Co. at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Hunter Canning.
James Ortiz in The Woodsman by James Ortiz, directed by James Ortiz and Claire Karpen, presented by Strangemen & Co. at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Hunter Canning.

These whisperings of spirit and foreshadowing of the future character of the Tin Man that will be in The Wizard of Oz are forged through his relationship with Nimmee. She is the slave-girl of the Wicked Witch of the East. He meets Nimmee in the forest during a tremendous and frightening adventure. How their relationship develops and how the Wicked Witch of the East becomes involved are the structure and revelation of the play’s plot and themes. Ortiz has managed to elevate the concept of identity, integrity, and soulfulness into the character of Nick Chopper with simplicity and sensitivity. The conclusion leaves us with the sad poignancy of devastated love and the faint light of hope. This is a perfect show for Valentine’s Day weekend and beyond.

The performers of Strangemen & Co. and their use of the amazing puppetry coupled with the haunting and minor key melodies lift up Ortiz’s well crafted rendition of The Tin Man’s story to truly powerful heights. The villains chillingly breathe evil. The spiritual anointed ones are ethereally envisioned. The artistic design of the forest, the land, and the Woods Man’s house are suggested with minimalistic grace. They convey an appropriate imagery that colors the phantasmagoria of this production making it exceptional and memorable. Their skills reveal the efforts of the finest of puppeteers.

L to R: Will Gallacher, James Ortiz, Eliza Simpson in The Woods Man at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Hunter Canning.
L to R: Will Gallacher, James Ortiz, Eliza Simpson in The Woodsman at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Hunter Canning.

As for the puppets? Fabulous constructions and animations. I was mesmerized by the creatures. The Wicked Witch of the East’s loathsomeness and her demonic nature symbolized in her flight as an all-encompassing, omnipresent evil is frightening. We believe her magical, supernatural powers. Those who enact her in voice and movement are superb; she is especially horrible in flight. I cannot praise enough the performers’ puppetry skills, voices, choral work, and use of the minimalistic set to trigger the power of suggestion in the audience’s imagination. This is an incredible interactive experience.  You will remain engaged throughout connecting with the emotional currents and tragic story.

Kudos to the performers: James Ortiz, Benjamin Bass, Devin Dunne Cannon, Will Gallacher, Amanda A. Lederer, Aaron McDaniel, Eliza Simpson, Meghan St. Thomas, Carol Uraneck (who also was Costume Designer) and Edward W. Hardy, violinist.

The Woods Man will be running at 59E59 Theaters until February 16th.

About Carole Di Tosti

Carole Di Tosti, Ph.D. is a published writer, playwright, novelist, poet. She owns and manages three well-established blogs: 'The Fat and the Skinny,' 'All Along the NYC Skyline' (https://caroleditosti.com/) 'A Christian Apologists' Sonnets.' She also manages the newly established 'Carole Di Tosti's Linchpin,' which is devoted to foreign theater reviews and guest reviews. She contributed articles to Technorati (310) on various trending topics from 2011-2013. To Blogcritics she has contributed 583+ reviews, interviews on films and theater predominately. Carole Di Tosti also has reviewed NYBG exhibits and wine events. She guest writes for 'Theater Pizzazz' and has contributed to 'T2Chronicles,' 'NY Theatre Wire' and other online publications. She covers NYC trending events and writes articles promoting advocacy. She professionally free-lanced for TMR and VERVE for 1 1/2 years. She was a former English Instructor. Her published dissertation is referenced in three books, two by Margo Ely, Ph.D. Her novel 'Peregrine: The Ceremony of Powers' will be on sale in January 2021. Her full length plays, 'Edgar,' 'The Painter on His Way to Work,' and 'Pandemics or How Maria Caught Her Vibe' are being submitted for representation and production.

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