By Liz Eichler
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has triumphantly returned to the historic Emery Theater with a fitting production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, based on the beloved L. Frank Baum classic story. It’s a beautiful space—restored, resonant, and the perfect home for this classic story of discovery and heart.
The New Theatre Experience
Artistic Director Roderick Justice’s goal was to create a transformative experience “from street to seat,” and he delivers. From the red carpet welcome to glowing benches and other photo-worthy installations, the energy is bright and festive from the moment you arrive. There were a few small opening-weekend hiccups—such as a credit card issue at the snack counter—but nothing that dimmed the excitement. Once seated, the real magic begins.
Lightborne Projections
Lightborne’s immersive projections are spectacular. And of course, Lightborne, whose mission is “to create jaw-dropping visual solutions no matter the screen size or media utilized,” has ties to Blink, Cincinnati’s biannual Festival of Light, as well as supporting a list of international concerts and companies. My four-year-old companion and I were completely enchanted. His jaw dropped more than once! The moving video backdrops—corn swaying in the Kansas wind, clouds drifting by, shifting from black-and-white to color—are exciting to watch, making the scenery immersive and dynamic.
Panels along the sides of the theatre continue the illusion, creating living scenery that surrounds the audience. Apple trees grow beyond the stage. The Wicked West hills glow green. The biggest thrill is the proscenium arch extension becomes the perfect place for a rainbow to light up the theatre and our faces. It is magical.
The Show‘s Direction and Design Concept
Under Roderick Justice’s direction, with music direction by Jason Alexander Holmes, lighting by Benjamin Gantose, costumes by Noelle Wedig-Johnston, choreography by Maddie Jones, and video design by Lightborne Communications, this is a feast for the senses. TCT consistently earns praise for its imaginative, professional production design, and this show doesn’t disappoint.
Scenic designer Tyler Gabbard has outdone himself. Dorothy doesn’t just follow the Yellow Brick Road through Munchkinland, but it takes an inspired mid-century Route 66 theme. She goes from the midwest to the “Emerald City.” (and Emerald City gleams like a mix between Las Vegas and Paramount Studios. Perhaps reflecting many theatre people’s journeys to the lure of palm trees and fame out West?)
The Route 66 concept works beautifully. Munchkinland features the town sign, complete with affiliations and Awards (since we know they are big on awards). The Tin Man is cleverly linked to a vintage gas station, versus being in the woods. The Lion emerges from an abandoned circus. The woods are the electric grid, making them truly a dangerous place.
The tornado scene swirls through the aisles with ribbon dancers on all three levels of the glorious theatre—more magic.
The Yellow Brick Road is cleverly suggested by movable set pieces and a team of yellow-clad “construction workers.” Some set elements rise from below; others roll on with precision. A few mechanical hums were audible, but these and timing issues will likely smooth out as the run continues.
Costumes
The Munchkins’ 1950s-inspired costumes are a colorful delight, complete with crinolines, hats, and coordinated jackets. Glinda (Hayley Martin) glides in on a pink Vespa surrounded by bubbles, while the Wicked Witch (Bethany Xan Kerr) soars on a rocket-powered broom. The retro-styled and adorable flying monkeys charm the audience.
When asked her favorite character, one young audience member chose the Wizard—no surprise. Played by Douglas Fries, his striking green ensemble and towering top hat make him an unforgettable presence.
The Plot, Just in Case
Dorothy, a teenage girl from Kansas who feels unwanted, dreams of running away—only to be swept up by a tornado into a fantastical land. There she meets a trio of unlikely friends, faces danger, and learns the timeless truth: there’s no place like home.
The Cast
Most of the cast are adults, with younger performers (TCT’s Young Artists Company) featured in the Lullaby League, Lollipop Guild, and as flying monkeys.
Elliot Martin is a delightful Dorothy, grounded yet earnest. Toto (Margot, trained by Denise Owens) nearly steals the show—eliciting audible “awws” when wagging her tail during “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Anthony J. Contreras brings warmth and flexibility to the Scarecrow, Bob Herzog is an endearing and comic Cowardly Lion, and Animaesh Manglik’s Tin Man offers quiet charm.
Hayley Martin’s Glinda has wonderful timing, while Bethany Xan Kerr adds nuance to her Wicked Witch, making her more than a caricature. Douglas Fries, towering as both Professor Marvel and the Wizard, captivates the children with his commanding presence.
The ensemble shines vocally and physically—there are some really strong singers and dancers! Roger Pille also deserves mention for his spirited turns as the Doorman, Uncle Henry, and a Winkie.
The moment the Great and Powerful Oz appeared via massive projected visuals, the entire theatre fell silent. The robotic, larger-than-life image was striking—equal parts awe-inspiring and slightly scary for some of the younger folks.
Final Thoughts on TCT’s Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
TCT’s Wizard of Oz is a must-see family event—an imaginative, immersive production that breathes new life into a beloved story. Whether you’re four, almost 40, or 64, you’ll leave smiling.
Running time: about 80 minutes
Tickets: HERE
Remaining Shows:
- Sunday, October 12, 2025: 2 PM
- Saturday, October 18, 2025: 11 AM and 2 PM
- Sunday, October 19, 2025: 2 PM
- Saturday, October 25, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
- Sunday, October 26, 2025: 2 PM
- ASL and Audio Described Performance: Saturday, October 18, 2025: 2 PM
Credits: Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Background Music by Herbert Stothart. Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard. Orchestration by Larry Wilcox. Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based upon the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed by Warner Bros.
