author: Lisa Standish
There’s a certain magic that happens when a beloved classic finds a fresh stage to call home, and that is precisely what occurred as Phoenix Festival Theatre followed the Yellow Brick Road to the newly renovated Chesapeake Theater. Bringing the 1939 MGM masterpiece to life with vibrant energy, this production of The Wizard of Oz manages to bridge the gap between silver-screen nostalgia and high-spirited live performance. Based on the timeless story by L. Frank Baum, the show serves as a showcase for the iconic score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, supplemented by Herbert Stothart’s atmospheric background music. Under the thoughtful direction of Eric Bray, Jr., the production invites the audience to step through the frame and into a world where Kansas sepia melts into Munchkinland brilliance.
The experience begins before the first line is even spoken, as the Chesapeake Theater itself is a marvel to behold. While it is undeniably bittersweet to say goodbye to the old space where many of us grew up watching local theater, the new renovations are stunning, offering comfortable seating and a professional atmosphere. A true highlight is the addition of a live pit; as the audience entered, the orchestra – conducted by Jarrett Rettman – filled the room with a sense of whimsy that set a magical tone. While this was the first performance in the new space -challenge for any company – the acoustics generally held up well. There were only a few moments when the music overpowered the actors, but for most of the evening, Rettman ensured the vocals and orchestra were balanced.
The cast, led by Abby Koncurat as Dorothy, was nothing short of inspired. Koncurat’s beautiful vibrato was strikingly reminiscent of Judy Garland, grounding the show in nostalgia. She was joined by a powerhouse trio: Mo Tacka (Hunk/Scarecrow), whose comedic timing and loose-limbed physicality made them the perfect choice for the role; Kwame Coker (Hickory/Tin-Man), who possesses a fantastic, velvety voice that left me wishing they had even more solos; and the show-stopping Jordan Baumiller (Zeke/Cowardly Lion). Baumiller truly stole the show, treating the Lion’s tail like a child’s security blanket and delivering a dynamic rendition of “If I Were King of the Forest.” The chemistry between these four was natural and heartwarming, embodying the spirit of the original characters perfectly.
The supporting cast and ensemble brought immense life to the land of Oz. Amy Tucker was a quintessential Glinda, her lovely soprano voice soaring through her scenes, while Lisa Rigsby (Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch) commanded the stage with a lead role that allowed her to showcase her brilliance as a character actor—and she nailed that iconic cackle. In Kansas, Deborah Cross was the picture of maternal sweetness as Aunt Em, paired with Michael Maistros, who delivered Uncle Henry’s one-liners with excellent timing. Even the four-legged stars, Biggie Paws Cox and Bruiser Kries, were a joy to watch as Toto, following their cues to a tee. Michael Isennock rounded out the principals as Professor Marvel and the Wizard, bringing a delightful enthusiasm and spot-on delivery to the “man behind the curtain.”
Visually, the production was a treat, thanks to the vibrant work of costume designers Brenda Kinzinger and Joyce Williams. The transition from the monotone shades of Kansas to the whimsical, colorful world of Oz—particularly the charming poppy costumes—was lovely. While there were some first-show technical hurdles, such as mistimed projections and set changes that lacked smoothness, Director Eric Bray, Jr. and Choreographer Leslie Perry compensated with clever blocking. Though the cyclone scene struggled to capture the full chaos of the storm, Bray’s vision shone in the “Jitterbug” number. This was the technical peak of the night, where lighting, Perry’s choreography, and Jess Simonson’s brilliant performance as the Jitterbug merged into a moment of pure theatrical bliss.
The ensemble’s energy was infectious, with the Lullaby League and Lollipop Guild standing out as early favorites. While the harmonies had a rocky start, the cast quickly recovered under Rettman’s direction, particularly during the vibrant scene where the quartet prepares to meet the Wizard. My eyes were frequently drawn to Zachary Dodson, Anna Perry, Isabel Bray, and Jess Simonson, all of whom remained deeply in character with constant reactions and heart. Ethan Buttman also made a lasting impression as the Guard, showing off a clear, beautiful singing voice, while Bella Preisinger committed fully to the role of Nikko with impressive vocalizations and movement.
Ultimately, the production was a success because of its heart. One of the most breathtaking moments was the end of Act I, where the silhouettes of the four friends against the backdrop created a hauntingly beautiful image. This production is a testament to the inclusive, family-oriented culture fostered by Company Manager Beverly Whaley. Despite the inherent difficulties of christening a brand-new space with complex equipment, the passion of the Phoenix Festival Theatre family made this journey down the Yellow Brick Road a triumphant one.
With a total running time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission), this production is an enchanting escape for theatergoers of all ages. While the brand-new equipment at the Chesapeake Theater may still be finding its footing, the sheer talent and inclusive spirit of the Phoenix Festival Theatre family ensure that the heart of L. Frank Baum’s story beats stronger than ever. Whether you are returning to the “Old Chesapeake” for the sake of nostalgia or visiting the renovated space for the first time, this journey to Oz is a colorful reminder that there truly is no place like home. Don’t miss your chance to see this local gem, as performances run through March 15th 2026 at Harford Community College.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission
The Wizard of Oz plays with Phoenix Festival Theatre in the Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College— 401 Thomas Run Road in Bel Air, MD. For tickets call the box office at 443-412-2211 or purchase them in advance online.
