What I liked
The music was really good—I’m still humming the “Ecstasy” song and I loved the use of video to entice us into the OZ that is 1973.
What I didn't like
I wanted it all to be more better… more better costumes, more better in-sync back-up dancers, performers being more better about on top of their dialogue, more better 70s feel rather than falling into That 70s Show cartoonish ideas of what the 70s were. I saw safety pins sticking out of the Fairy Godmother’s dress, the back-up dancers needed more rehearsal, the Fairy Godmother seemed to default to say ing “girl!…” at the head of every sentence, taking away it’s power.
The story (you must love yourself before you can love another) seems almost tacked on as a way to present this 70s OZ—I say screw that moral—if you want Dorothy to go to OZ, just send her there! Unlike the children OZ was written for, we adults don’t need a moral. Isn’t that what we learned in the 70s—do it if it feels good?
What’s up with the puffy jacket Ruby wears in the beginning? Is she at a 90s Rave? And her real hair let down was way more 1973 than that wig.
More rehearsals and honing will definitely help.
My overall impression
I think this is a great workshop of the show—so close to really good—do come out and see it and show support, because the only way shows like this grow is to get support in the beginning. Water this sunflower and it will definitely grow!
