Almost one-hundred and twenty-five years ago, L. Frank Baum published ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and the story of not looking further than one’s own backyard for happiness has been captivating readers, movie fans, and theatre audiences ever since. And Jordan Monsell’s ‘Shakespeare’s Oz’ adds a new wonderful chapter and perspective on the story. The show had it’s World Premiere last night at the Auburn Stage, Grand Theatre, and I would encourage you to attend before it’s too late, it closes on Sunday! It is ably produced by Scott Smalley and Laura Williams. Jeremy Hewitson has directed a gem of a show! Rounding out the stellar creative team is stage manager Amanda Marshall. Kudos also to Annette Kavelaars-Burrows, for her wonderful costume design! The cast reads like a “Who’s Who” of the London stage, circa 2025: Jesslyn Hodgson, Jacob Wiley, Dustin Didham, Dylan Borshell, Bronwyn Powell, Sue Harrington, Gabriel Sizeland, Ben Kennes, Amy Rose Dickson, Marianna Hrnjak, Heather Heathcote, Mike Carriere, Kevin Avram, Dustin Freeman, Skyler Gallagher, Hayley Kell, Anna Lee-Diemert, Aleesa Prendergast, Amanda Roberts, and Kate Sepi. As mentioned, this is a limited run show, so please get your tickets asap.
The Beat Magazine 2025 