Follow the yellow brick road to Flushing, where the Free Synagogue of Flushing (FSF) players present the beloved musical, “The Wizard of Oz.” The performance is filled with neighborhood kids and community theatre veterans, with just one more weekend remaining. The curtain rises at 41-60 Kissena Boulevard Free Synagogue of Flushing Social Hall.
Director Amanda Doria makes sure that the troupe never takes itself too seriously. However, there is always a clever trick or two to let the audience in on the joke. The famous melting scene has a charming twist. There’s a trip across a revolving bridge which creates unending laughter among the little ones in the audience.
The red headed Scarecrow (Ed Harley) is wonderfully agile and charismatic while Nancy E. Keegan oozes with evil as the Wicked Witch of the West. The local kids onstage are from pre-K and upward. They are marvelous Munchkins who smile ear to ear.
Dorothy (Kate Brady) has a fine singing voice and plays the role boldly. The Sorceress (Shana Aborn) is more fragile but still inspires trust from the Munchkins. The Cowardly Lion (Peter Sullivan) devours the stage with his comedic timing. The Tin Woodsman (Stephen Louis-Hernandez) is also a shining example of inhabiting a role with laughter. The Wizard (Mike Miller) is confident and classy despite the revelation that he is a fraud. Musical Director Andrew J. Wheeler and his musicians provide a perpetually supportive anchor for the numerous songs we all remember.
This reviewer offers apologies as usual to the many talented performers and backstage crew who cannot be praised individually. Kudos to the supportive audience. There is one more performance slated for Saturday, May 8. What better place for children of all ages to spend their time. For more information call 800-260-6789 or 718-229-8547. You might try surfing to www.spotlightonstage.com/fsfctg.htm or email fsfctg@yahoo.com. Auditions begin shortly for “Sweet Charity.” As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
