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This Wizard is wonderful.

Wednesday Mar 07, 2007.     By Colin Douglas

Theater Feed

If your only experience with Dorothy and her friends' odyssey through Oz is the classic MGM film, then prepare for a real treat—that is, if you can accept a version that's more akin to L. Frank Baum's original novel. Nowhere will you find the familiar ditties composed by E. L. Harburg (although there are some funny original musical moments). What you will find is a clever version of the story enacted by enthusiastically physical cast members who clearly love inhabiting these roles.

Adapted by Phillip C. Klapperich, Executive Director and playwright for The House Theatre of Chicago, the production marks his second foray into the exploration of classic children's tales. (Last season Klapperich directed "The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan.") The result here is another exciting, provocative play full of humor, pathos and drama and highlighted by inventive costumes and props.

Paige Hoffman's spunky Dorothy spends most of the play trying to erase her nickname, Dorothy Witchslayer, only to eventually live up to it in a final act of revenge. Molly Brennan as The Wicked Witch of the West wears a slinky black gown, punky green hair and a mural of tattoos across her bare back; her appearance alternates between evil temptress and large, terrifying spider. She even shows her talent for tango in a face-off with the wizard. The Tin Woodsman, perfectly embodied by Cliff Chamberlain, starts off truly heartless, but gradually evolves into a caring friend, with both a heart and a soul. Delightful and lovably dimwitted, Stephen Taylor plays a funny and flexible as the Scarecrow. Jake Minton is endearing as the Lion lacking a backbone who becomes a king. The hilarious and touching Toto, played by Joey Steakley, deserves an honorable mention and brings to mind "Avenue Q" with the use of a plush puppet.

This inventive and energetic production, shaped by talented director and choreographer Tommy Rapley, has much to offer adults and children alike. So hurry up to Northlight Theatre in Skokie—this is one limited run that shouldn't be missed.

Through March 11 at the Northlight Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 & 8 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $35.