When whispers of a new, boldly reimagined Our Oz started swirling around campus, I braced myself for the worst. Yet, much to my surprise, the production served up an experience that settled comfortably into the realm of average. Not horrible, not good, just a mixed bag of theatrical intrigue and hasty storytelling, leaving me more intrigued by what it could become than what it was at the moment.
Our Oz ambitiously sets out to explore the beloved tale of Dorothy and co. through a BIPOC and Queer lens, drawing inspiration from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” and even “Our Town.” It’s a potent concept that developed through a devising process between students and faculty, but it’s a concept that suffers from a script that was, frankly, as smooth as Toto’s sudden speaking role (which is to say not smooth whatsoever.) The story unfolded at a speed comparable to a twister through Kansas; this whirlwind pace left little room to develop its characters or embody the timely nuances it aimed for. But, hey, at least I got home early since there was no intermission.
Let’s talk about Toto because, apparently, he’s the narrator now, and an omniscient one with a surprising penchant for clunky, preachy lines that often feel like being hit over the head with a moral textbook. As a character, Toto had energy, but the writing left him scrambling to seamlessly bridge the tale. Remember, show, don’t tell, right?
Thankfully, the production did boast some shining elements. The projection and set design stood out magnificently; videography merged with live theatre in a way that felt fresh and immersive. Scenic Designer, Jungah Han, transformed the stage with a modern yellow brick road, inviting audiences into an Oz that brimmed with modernity and innovation (a promise the script itself couldn’t quite live up to.)
The actors certainly gave it their all. The actor’s playing the four main friends (Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Woman, and the Lion) infused their roles with spirit and charisma, managing to breathe warmth and humor into a sometimes uneven narrative. The Lion, played by Jonas Annear, was especially heartwarming with their karaoke songs and dynamic performance, successfully playing timid and fierce throughout the show.
Overall, Our Oz is one of those productions you’re glad to have seen, if only to say you’ve experienced it. The show indeed requires some fine-tuning, perhaps a slower pace and a more refined script could uncover its potential. And who knows, in a few years, after some creative soul-searching and adjustments, I’d consider returning for another round, especially if the tickets were free.Here’s to wishing Our Oz a future as vibrant and visionary as the world it endeavors to conjure.
