The Woozy and Yoop and Mangaboos – Oh My!
The Patchwork Girl of Oz is L. Frank Baum’s seventh book in the series. Dr. Pipt brings to life Scraps, the Patchwork Girl, but accidentally petrifies Unc Nunkie. So, along with Ojo the Unlucky, Scraps sets off on a component quest to find the remedy and meet and make many friends along the way. Don’t worry if you can’t at first remember the list of items they need to find, as it is oft repeated in song in this kid-friendly musical.
Director Eliot Malamuth did a wonderful job casting this show – everyone and everything fits. For example, it is always a delight to see Daniel Dausman on stage as, of course, the Scarecrow. Zoe Northrup finds their footing and shines as Ojo the Unlucky. Michael K. Heney completes the traveling panel as The Woozy (the one and only!) with great vocal inflection, even when singing. But it is Marianne Virnelson that steals the show as Scraps Patches – always present with strong presence and an amazing voice.
Brian Monsell is a funny, happy, singing Shaggy Man. Aref Dajani gets the most laughs and frights per word as the monosyllabic Unc Nunkie and the gangly Yoop. Ashira Cothron shows verbal and physical agility through “multiple” roles as the mischievous Mo-Jo-Bo-Hoko. We can only wish that the criminal justice system could be hosted as hospitably as Karen Moore’s Tollydiggle and Dave Robinson’s Soldier without portfolio. Christopher Howell is entomologically protective as the Tin Man but looks like he’s having most fun Igor-ing it up as the Vegiterrible Mangaboos. And Jenna Jones Paradis, Penny Martin, and Pamela Northrup as respectively Nightingale, Canary, and Dodo, bring the house down with feathers flying in “The Robber’s Ballad”.
Christine Wells directed and provided the live music for songs – some rollicking, some surprising in their shifting to the darkness, all fun. Roy Peterson’s set is creatively designed for the many magical locations encountered, and particularly effective under Jason Kanow’s lighting. And Marge McGugan’s costumes are just beautiful across the board.
Bring the kids, but you’ll enjoy it yourself.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes with one intermission
The Patchwork Girl of Oz plays through July 8th 2023 at Greenbelt Arts Center— 123 Centerway in downtown Greenbelt, MD. For tickets call the box office at 301-441-8770 or purchase them online.
Please note that MASKS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES by members of the audience inside Greenbelt Arts Center.
No concessions are available for purchase at this time.
