FALL INTO OZ – A Secret Rose Garden
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
What a wonderful idea! A beautiful, large property in Woodland Hills California turning into The Land of OZ and giving everyone the experience of a lifetime; to take the famous journey this fall with Dorothy and Toto through the magic of munchkin land.
This unusual theatrical experience is so much fun for kids of all ages and their parents, adults alike. The visitors don’t just watch the story but become a part of it. It is a new, refreshing way to experience for 75-minutes the legendary live characters, interactive quests, and merchants.
Fall Into Oz, a world-premiere production from Heart to Art Productions, in association with Space LA and Producer Anne Mesa takes families down a real yellow brick road and into an outdoor Oz adventure. When a tornado sweeps Dorothy (Isabella Thatcher) and her guests fall into Oz, and by solving interactive challenges; involving brains, heart and courage they make their way toward Emerald City.
A bountiful land decorated with pumpkins, and all kinds of ornaments on the path; a blue green bird, flamingo, pelican, munchkins, cactuses, the tarot card reading at the entrance, and Dorothy appears with Toto, being carried in a little basket. We are invited to her house where there is a nice-size TV, and we hear the breaking news, ‘In Kansas there is tornado in the prairies, Emergency Alert is given; tornado is heading straight towards Dorothy’s home.’ And poof, we found ourselves in the Land of OZ.
Lots of small houses and huge flowers all around. We landed near the place where the bad witch was killed. She has magical silver shoes on. Dorothy is advised to take the shoes, which fit her perfectly, and we follow the yellow brick road to The Emerald City of Oz, who can help us to return home.
The legends of a famous story from childhood start appearing one by one. First, we see a scarecrow (Michael Stancliff). He’s cute, scared and imprisoned by the bad witch. A munchkin girl wants to marry him, but a bad witch made him a prisoner. She tossed his scary hat somewhere. Then we meet a Tin man (Matthew Pardue), and the cowardly circus Lion (Dayton Axle), and Baum the Guard (Stede Hendricks). Poppy flowers are all round and great country music is playing. Then we come to the red carpet and there is a little break of 10 min where we can get some little goodies. I wish I had my valet with me.
A beautiful, good witch Glinda (Sue Gisser), with her cheerful giggle and positive attitude, takes us to meet bad, wicked witch of the east (Jillian Brotman). She has spiders, dragonfly wings, worms, rosemary’s, crickets, and she’s stewing some potions. She wanted us to poison the wizard. But she ended up getting what she deserves. And we continue to Emerald City to meet the great OZ. It was very, very hot in the OZ’s tent, but what impressive creation is the OZ’s mask (Paul McCrillis), moving his mouth and giving him that booming, loud sound.
Creative environment on all levels. Everything is so deeply premediated and put into perfection. Lots of work, love and creativity is invested into costumes, scenery, sound, props, and all the actors match that creativity with their talent and enthusiasm. You don’t just watch The Wizard of Oz—you step inside it. Exuberating experience!
The production is double & triple cast and include: Dayton Axle, Jillian Brotman, Hannah Marie Campbell, Avery Dixon, Sabrina Ebright, Sue Gisser, Stede Hendricks, Nathan Kowalczyk, Eric Laney, Mindy Le, Paul McCrillis, Dreama O’Neal, Matthew Pardue, Terri Parks, Simon Roger Ristow, Carly Roseman, David Alan Schroeder, Michael Stancliff, and Isabella Thatcher.
Production Team are: Artistic Director/Founder/Writer: Rochelle Perry, Director/Production Manager/Writer: Justin Rose, Producer: Anne Mesa, Stage Manager: Susan Gasparyan, Production Designer: David Lvov, Prop Master/Designer: Sol Seager, Costuming A: Tsebahat Fiseha, Costuming B: Kellea Lascano, Tech Director: Zad Potter, Scenic Painter: Jessica York, Graphics: Maria Vitan, Web Designer: Rolando Monterroso, Publicist: Sandra Kuker-Franco, SANDRA KUKER PR | sjkukerpr@gmail.com
The show made its debut on Saturday, September 26 and runs through Sunday, October 25, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4:30pm at A Secret Rose Garden, 23444 Oxnard St. Woodland Hills, CA 91367.
The journey begins every half hour and runs approximately 75 minutes with intermission. Maximum 12 tickets per time slot: 10am | 10:30am | 11am | 11:30am | 12pm | 12:30pm | 2pm | 2:30pm | 3pm | 3:30pm | 4pm | 4:30pm
General patron admission tickets $40 Wizard Pass*, $30 General Admission (Use Code 210 – Only available through OnStage411)
*Wizard Pass: Includes a goodie bag! Collecting kids’ treats along the journey!
Special Note: Show takes place outdoors with slight hills and terrains. Closed-toed shoes recommended. No wheelchair/stroller access due to uneven terrain and steps.