BWW Reviews: Boulder's Dinner Theatre Brings Childish Delight to the WIZARD OF OZ!

Creating Magic and childish delight at Boulder's Dinner Theatre, THE WIZARD OF OZ is running till August 31st. Click your heels together and join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion as they journey off to see the Wizard through the magical Land of Oz. In their search for their heart's desires, they encounter the inhabitants of Oz: Munchkins, Crows, Trees, Poppies, Winkies, Flying Monkeys, and a few witches, and learn that no matter how far our journeys take us - there's no place like home.

I was absolutely delighted by the wonderful background of music adding to an excited dinner audience. They also had a delicious dinner item that I was excited to try - the Asian Noodle Salad (a chillEd Salad with tender beef strips served with peanut sauce, thick noodles, sugar snap peas, broccoli, carrots, red and yellow bell peppers tossed with sesame dressing topped with crispy wontons) that was quite flavorful and perfect for the summer. Another delicious treat was the Emerald City Ice Cream Pie (Delicious mint ice cream layered with chocolate fudge and an Oreo cookie crust topped with white chocolate and whipped cream) that had me salivating till intermission! I was a bit disappointed that there was no preview for their next production, THE FULL MONTY, but can understand why in this family-friendly show. The one thing that added to the energy of the show was the excitement of the audience, especially in the children that were ready to take the adventure to Oz. I must say that I was thoroughly impressed by live production of one of the most iconic movies of all times. To be honest, I may have loved the stage version more than the movie. While the movie had so much heart, there is something about a live show that gives it a little something extra and I appreciated the little additions to this amazing show. It just puts a smile on your face. This show, with its creative design and wonderful cast was the perfect entertainment for the summer and a great night for family!

Sarah Grover was thoroughly impressive in her debut at Boulder's Dinner Theatre in the iconic role of Dorothy. Her charismatic and emotional delivery had the attention of everyone in the audience and her voice was absolutely lovely. Bob Hoppe was anything but cold and mechanical in his heartfelt performance as the Tin Man. I loved that they were able highlight Bob's talent for tapping which added so much more to his character. I have to say that Scarecrow Scott Beyette's wonderful portrayal of the Scarecrow is one of my characters that he has played. There was so much passion and tenderness behind his delivery - job well done! Seth Caikowski had the audience in stitches in his over the top role of the Cowardly Lion. Even for his over the top performance and hilarious accent, Seth gave the Lion such a tender side that everyone just fell in love with. Barb Reeves was deviously evil as the Wicked Witch of the West. You could tell she was having fun being so sarcastically menacing role. On the opposite end of the spectrum was the Wizard (amusingly played by Wayne Kennedy) who was bumbling, enticing and charming. Tracy Warren may have had a smaller role as Glinda, but it was and enchanting and memorable one. She brought all things bubbly and bright to this role and was fabulous to watch. Alicia Dunfee as the Auntie Em kept this imaginative production grounded in reality. Her exterior may have been hard and full or worry, but you could feel her compassion. Brian Norber was also exceptional as the no-nonsense Uncle Henry and to flip that around to the over the top Emerald City Guard was just fun to watch. Max was the pint-sized, scene-stealer Toto that captured everyone's hearts. It was also nice to have that live animal element that added an extra special element to this show. I must mention those funny crows (hilariously played by Brett Ambler and Brian Jackson) for adding to the laughs and making the Scarecrow scene even more precious to me. I also want to totally applaud the kids of the show that totally hit every note and line and added that childlike quality that makes this story an eternal classic.

Alicia Dunfee was the "Jane of all Trades" as Auntie Em, the director and the choreographer of this amazing production. The show flowed wonderfully from one scene to the next, blocking was spot on (especially with such a big cast), and I loved her choice of choreography, especially in Welcome You to Munchkin land, the Poppies and the Jitterbug (which I had never seen before and loved). Along with Music Conductor, Neal Dunfee they made fabulous casting choices with this talented cast and having the live music aspect to this iconic movie. Amy Campion had her work cut out for her with so many lands to explore. Each set was thought out and fabulous! I loved the transformation from the dreariness of Kansas to the colorful and bright Munchkin land. I also enjoyed the larger than life door into Oz, the Wizards hall and the sensational witch's tower. High praises also go out to lighting by Rachael Dugan and sound by Wayne Kennedy that completely helped to enhance this visually stunning production. A standing ovation goes out to designer Linda Morken and her absolutely wonderful and inventive costumes were something to behold. From the beige monochrome costumes in Kansas, to the unique design for the Munchkins, the playfulness of the Poppies, to the elegance of Oz, and the Flying Monkies - this show was made larger than life because of these memorable designs. I also have to compliment hair and wig designer Debbie Spaur on her fun and unique hair designs that added so much to the ensemble (especially with the Munchkins, the Winkies/Jitterbug, and the townspeople of Oz).

This show is true family entertainment, so become a kid again and go see this wonderfully nostalgic and inventive show! Boulder's Dinner Theatre THE WIZARD OF OZ is enchanting offices now through August 31st. Tickets for The Wizard of Oz include both the performance and dinner served by the stars of the show. Group rate tickets and season subscriptions are available for all performances throughout the year. For tickets or more information, contact the Boulder's Dinner Theatre Box office by calling (303) 449-6000 or online at www.bouldersdinnertheatre.com.

L to R: Bob Hoppe as The Tin Man, Seth Caikowski as The Cowardly Lion, Sarah Grover as Dorothy, and Scott Beyette as The Scarecrow

Seth Caikowski as The Cowardly Lion

Top to Bottom: Bob Hoppe as The Tin Man, Sarah Grover as Dorothy, and Scott Beyette as The Scarecrow

Sarah Grover as Dorothy and Max as Toto