An ‘Oz’ That Musters Lots of Technical Wizardry

It won’t knock your socks off, but with its flaming pyrotechnics, high-flying effects, a genial cast and those oh-so-familiar songs, Music Theatre of Southern California’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” based on the 1939 MGM film classic, is a crowd-pleaser at San Gabriel Civic Auditorium.

And yes, Toto is a big part of the fun. Played by a furry little canine named Bubba, this Toto, with his adorable round face, plumed tail and quick-trot exits, steals just about every scene he’s in.

This often-produced adaptation by John Kane, directed here by Bill Shaw, was created specifically to recall the look and sound of the film. It’s a big plus, though, when the actress in the lead can reflect something of the emotional resonance of Judy Garland’s indelible Dorothy, rather than just recognizable body language and vocal mannerisms.

That’s a tall order, and Jenna Leigh Green, taking a break from her regular job as bad girl Libby in ABC’s “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” doesn’t have the depth that, for instance, Cathy Rigby has brought to past productions.

Although Green wears the gingham role ably enough, and her pop vocals are assured and sweet, the poignancy is missing. She and nimble John Bisom as Scarecrow, Bob Lauder Jr. as Lion and Doug Miller as Tin Man are nicely matched as a quartet, however, with Lauder earning extra laughs for his homage to Bert Lahr’s feisty role.

Patti Diamond is less reminiscent of Margaret Hamilton as Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch, but she’s satisfyingly nasty. Ann Rittenhouse’s harried Aunt Em gives way to a pleasant Glinda, and Hank Wilson is enjoyable as Professor Marvel, the Gate Guard and the title role.

The large ensemble of children does a delightful job as Poppies and Munchkins--headed by Brad Culver’s and David Lamoureaux’s uncanny re-creation of the pompous Mayor and Barrister, respectively. Charmingly choreographed by Rikki Lugo and vividly costumed by Pamela Gill, the kids are a treat.

Crackling microphones occasionally detracted from vocals during opening weekend, but the Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg score, including songs that were cut from the film--most notably the zippy “Jitterbug”--is well served by the orchestra, under conductor M. Roger Lockie.

The storybook set design is by Paul Wonsek; Anita Elevi did the important mood-complementing light design; flying is by ZFX Inc.; and pyrotechnist Rick Helgason heats things up with flair.

* “The Wizard of Oz,” San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, 320 S. Mission Drive, Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. through Oct. 26. $18-$40; ages 12 and under, half-price. (818) 308-2868.

Jewish Tales: Multiple award-winning master storyteller Jim Weiss, whose versatile tale-spinning style brings the classics of literature to life for children of all ages, will present three performances of his “Home, Harvest and Hospitality” tales at the Skirball Cultural Center on Sunday. Weiss is part of the Sukkot Festival, an all-day Jewish autumn celebration of harvest traditions, family arts workshops, storytelling, gallery tours, music and dance.

Other entertainment includes square dancing, bluegrass music with the Witcher Brothers, traditional Sukkot songs with children’s artist Caryn Glasser and the Beverly Hills Piano Quartet.

Weiss will also headline in “Tell Me a Story,” a storytelling workshop for teachers, students and parents and a performance with other storytellers. The event takes place at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church on Nov. 1.

* “Home, Harvest and Hospitality,” Jim Weiss, Sunday, 11 a.m., 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Festival: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. $7; under age 12, free. Donations of nonperishable food for the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank invited. (310) 440-4500.

* “Tell Me a Story,” Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, Rolling Hills Estates, Nov. 1, workshop, 1 to 3 p.m., $10 (includes performance); performance, 7 p.m., $5 (children free with adult). (310) 377-6771; (310) 544-7442, Ext. 106.