Theater Review | 'Wizard of Oz': Movie classic overshadows stag...

The Wicked Witch makes a frightening impression on Dorothy and Toto, too. For its first production at the restored Lincoln Theatre, Columbus Children's Theatre has put on a solid, if slow-moving and occasionally self-indulgent, production of The Wizard of Oz.

[bailey]

For goodness sakes! When will Ms. Quamme realize theatre is NOT a movie and theatre is NOT a book? If she could learn something about the process and the actual art of the discipline, she might be able to write an intelligent and informed review. At last night's "Wizard of Oz" performance, children in the audience were belly laughing. This "is" children's theatre. I do not believe Ms. Quamme has any child in her heart.

[agree]

bailey wrote:

For goodness sakes! When will Ms. Quamme realize theatre is NOT a movie and theatre is NOT a book? If she could learn something about the process and the actual art of the discipline, she might be able to write an intelligent and informed review. At last night's "Wizard of Oz" performance, children in the audience were belly laughing. This "is" children's theatre. I do not believe Ms. Quamme has any child in her heart.

Thank you!!!

[CKM14]

It was opening night for Pete's sake!!! Give the kids a break! I thought it was wonderful!!! Colleen McPherson

[Don Roberts]

Once again, M. Quamme proves that she is at best a book critic. After reading numerous reviews written by Ms. Quamme, she proves consistantly that she really has no clue as to what makes good quality theater. I have already seen in reviews from local actors concerning the show that they loved the production. I would be inclined to believe people who work on stage rather that some book hack, that believes that all reviews must be negative. The Columbus Dispatch does more to hurt the arts in Central Ohio than any other factor. Find a reviewer that KNOWS something about theatrical productions.

[Elizabeth Towns]

Last nights production was wonderful! Our seats were orchestra 3rd row, and there were a few times when we couldnt hear the lines well, but very few. Yes, there were times when I wondered if we could get some parents to help some children be a little more quiet - but it was the Wizard of Oz, and a childrens production. For children. It is to be expected. The actual production was lively, quick witted. The costumes were wonderful, the music (orchestra and performance) was grand, and the acting was exceptional. My children and my Mother enjoyed it with equal excitement. And, it was opening night. Our first time in the Lincoln Theatre - I give great applause. My only complaint is that the theatre was cold. Cold. Cold. Other than that? Fantastic.

[Dawn Farrell]

I can't wait to see it Saturday. CCT is my family (15 productions in my day) and I know Bill and his marvelous ways of direction. This is a theatre company and a show to please CHILDREN and I'm sure it was focused just that way. First time in a very large venue would most naturally have a few kinks to work out. He has cast a lot of marvelous actors (many my good friends) whom I know one will fall in love with. Get your tickets and don't miss this marvelous endeavor.

[Jack Worrall]

The primary purpose of theater is to "entertain"...and this show was entertaining and well received by the audience..Amen

[Alison Worrall]

I had the privelege of sitting next to Ms Quamme at last evenings performance therefore having expierienced it from the same vantage point...including the young audience member with the bottomless cellophane candy bag seated behind us..... Mr Goldsmiths' solid casting of the primary characters kept the story line intact for the targeted young audience, who generally don't desire any deviation from a story line they identify with..as evidenced by the numerous pairs of glittery red shoes worn in the audience.
His exceptional use of imagination when the main characters were lost in the haunted woods (given the confinement of space provided in this venue) was particularly enjoyed by all. I also applaud his "indulgence" of the ensemble cast of chidren who were a delight to watch as they each "gave it their all"...much to the thrill of family, friends and children themselves. Mr Goldsmith has not only provided a thrilling memory but undoubtedly ignigted an interest in the performing arts for many young viewers. My last comment is in agreement with Ms Quamme...I too would have liked to see more of the Wicked Witch..."i'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too"....way to go Ginny!!!

[Lisa Powell]

If only little children liked slapstick, as the review states, There wouldn't be Benny Hill, Monty Python or Mel Brooks! I love being entertained when bringing my child to the theatre. I actually feel sorry for Ms. Quamme! Hopefully by now, people who enjoy going to something other than a history lesson, will simply turn the page on her review!

[Lydia L]

I have to agree with Ms. Quamme. The actors seemed either cheesy or flat (most of the time). I could not hear or understand many of the lines. It was too slow (as evidenced by the squirming young audience). The venue was distracting and acoustics not great. It was entertaining. And, for the price of the ticket, a nice live show. CCT has quite a loyal following, hence the defensive comments. My children and I are also loyal CCTers, but we were disappointed.

[Sherry]

We love everything Columbus Children's Theatre does. Their shows are consistently entertaining. However, some productions are better than others. Oz had its highs and lows. I generally agree with the Dispatch review as well.

Since the shows draw many very young children, when you have a very large group of them (as in the Lincoln last night), the din of the restless little ones can get overwhelming. I imagine it is hard to balance making a show that will be entertaining for the adults, yet keep the young ones' attention throughout.

[Michael Doyle]

Margaret Quamme popped out of her mother's womb as a 65 year old curmudgeon. How sad to completely skip over the magic of childhood. What is pathetic is then trying to write about it.
I was present at the same production, same performance, opening night and witnessed a completely different show. How is that you ask? My evening was magical filled with hundred's of excited children witnessing a life changing experience many for the very first time. Wow!!! Imagine being part of that audience.
Best of all we (parents, grand parents and children) were blown away by the outstanding performers, great staging, the pace and the orchestra. The only noise I heard were eye balls popping out of little heads and deep belly laughs of the children sitting around me. Not one child mentioned Bert Lahr (Good Grief!!) or how the wicked witch wore too much makeup (OMG!!).

Made Quamme is a cross between Statler and Waldorf (the old geezers in the balcony box at the Muppet Theatre) only without the personality. Why isn't this woman editing math or science text books or judging poetry readings at coffee shops. This is CHILDREN's THEATRE. The goal is to entertain children not text book proof readers.
The Dispatch needs to stick you on your broom and send you to a Shakespeare Festival in Oshkosh where you can bore some of those poor actors.
One would think that the Columbus Dispatch could find a writer that had the HEART of a child with imagination and appreciation for magic and wonder that fills a child's BRAIN and with the courage to encourage support for outstanding family entertainment. Bert Lahr.......

[Rob]

people...she's a CRITIC. since when has any critic EVER been happy with what they experienced. i swear they could go to the fall of the berlin wall or the end of WW3 and find something to be miserable about. but hey, i still value their opinion...any movie they rate poorly, i go see.

[Kate Coley]

I will post my response to the show soon; I'm seeing it... But congrats to all for trying their hardest-- Only people LOOKING for flaws will see them.

[Tim]

Michael Doyle wrote:

Margaret Quamme popped out of her mother's womb as a 65 year old curmudgeon. How sad to completely skip over the magic of childhood. What is pathetic is then trying to write about it....
Made Quamme is a cross between Statler and Waldorf (the old geezers in the balcony box at the Muppet Theatre) only without the personality. Why isn't this woman editing math or science text books or judging poetry readings at coffee shops. The Dispatch needs to stick you on your broom and send you to a Shakespeare Festival in Oshkosh where you can bore some of those poor actors.

Wow. How incredibly juvenile, hurtful, and antagonistic. Margaret is paid to give her opinion. That's what she did. You are free to disagree with it (I disagree also), but this type of personal attack for her just doing her job is incredibly rude and immature. Be respectful as an adult should! She mostly writes good reviews of CCT productions (at least I have only read a couple poor ones). How do you think your comments will affect her future reviews? You've probably done more damage to CCT's reputation that she did!

[peaches]

Mr. Doyle:

1. anyone who saw the show and read their program will know that you are a relative of a cast member - so your opinion is completely biased

2. your cruel, immature personal attack of the reviewer makes you look like an idiot - hence your opinion of the show idiotic and the one to NOT be believed

if you had simply given your impression of the show, maybe more people would have wanted to see the show to see who's opinion is correct

there will always be differing opinions - especially on a show like this. some will expect a completely different interpretation than the movie - and be disappointed if that is not what they get. others will expect a solid replication of the movie - and be disappointed if that is not what they get. no matter what , you will get some people not happy with this type of show. i believe cct knows this - they posted this review. so, just offer your differing opinion without the offensive personal rants.

[Debs]

All Of these downing comments on Quammes review in light of the fact that the show that a few of us have seen was no where near being on point. As a fellow theatre artist who often trembles at the thought of Quamme's reviews has to be honest anytime she steps up to the plate she does not fail to speak truth and th raise the standard of what good theatre is and should be. The Audacitiy that some people have to say its just a childrens show is a pathectic attempt to hide the fact that this production along with its direction lacked focus, imagination, life and most of all originality. The most impressive thing about this production was the choreography and I will admit my bias on that seeing as I have seen the choreographers work on numerous occasions and she knows how to handle business. Also children cannot come to theatre themselves they are always accompanied with an adult so if the adult is nodding off, scratching theyre eyeballs out or planning a suicide attempt how can you expect someone to comeback for more. Quamme's real point of view and smartly diagnosis of any production should be well recieved and when she gives me a review or my show for that matter i'll probaly have to agree with her whether its good or bad. its an honest thought out criticism.

[Rob]

Debs wrote:

All Of these downing comments on Quammes review in light of the fact that the show that a few of us have seen was no where near being on point. As a fellow theatre artist who often trembles at the thought of Quamme's reviews has to be honest anytime she steps up to the plate she does not fail to speak truth and th raise the standard of what good theatre is and should be. The Audacitiy that some people have to say its just a childrens show is a pathectic attempt to hide the fact that this production along with its direction lacked focus, imagination, life and most of all originality. The most impressive thing about this production was the choreography and I will admit my bias on that seeing as I have seen the choreographers work on numerous occasions and she knows how to handle business. Also children cannot come to theatre themselves they are always accompanied with an adult so if the adult is nodding off, scratching theyre eyeballs out or planning a suicide attempt how can you expect someone to comeback for more. Quamme's real point of view and smartly diagnosis of any production should be well recieved and when she gives me a review or my show for that matter i'll probaly have to agree with her whether its good or bad. its an honest thought out criticism.

the problem is that critics write for CRITICS, not the general public. so their opinion is basically worthless unless you, yourself are a critic.

[Debs]

Rob wrote:

<quoted text>
the problem is that critics write for CRITICS, not the general public. so their opinion is basically worthless unless you, yourself are a critic.

Rob totally see where you are coming from. I just think that if you take away from the fact that its a critics view then it becomes just an audience based opinion as if everyone else had a chance to speak up to give a thought out (loosely used) opinion about the show. Really at the end of the day it is one persons opinion. It just so happens that her opinion gets to be posted for the world or at least Columbus to see. Honestly I dont think she is that bad especially looking at all of her previous reviews about theatre I stopped to ponder what some actors in this town are really afraid of. I also wish that there was more than one critic there at the show because other reviews Ive seen seem to showcase things differently from critic to critic.

[Rob]

Debs.....personally i prefer when common people are able to rate someting...like on AMC's website or maybe BestBuy. they give a "professional" opinion, then you can click on another tab to see what the actual "users" thought. personally,(as far as movies go) i am much more likely to agree with "the masses" than "the pros." this also solves the dilema you correctly point out where a critic is one person. the users might be an average of 500,000 people's opinions.