Dorothy’s magical journey in The Wizard of Oz
Theatre on the Square brought together theatre lovers for the magical debut of The Wizard of Oz, captivating audiences with the dazzling story of Dorothy in Oz.
The Wizard of Oz opening night drew a lively crowd of theatre lovers, families, and fans of all ages to embark on the magical journey of young actress Inna Karuaie, who played the iconic role of Dorothy on the night.
The show, presented by Pretoria Youth Theatre and Theatre on the Square on July 1, had audiences marveling at the magic, music, and adventure.
Dorothy is a young girl who lives on a quiet farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and her little dog, Toto. One day, a powerful cyclone strikes their home. Dorothy and Toto are swept up by the storm and carried far away to a magical land of Oz.
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When the house lands, it crushes the Wicked Witch of the East, who ruled over the Munchkins. The people of Munchkin Country celebrate the witch’s death.
Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, arrives with three Munchkins to thank Dorothy, giving her the Wicked Witch’s magical silver shoes.
She tells Dorothy that the only way to get back home to Kansas is to travel to the Emerald City and ask the Wizard of Oz for help. Before Dorothy sets off on her journey, the Good Witch kisses her on the forehead, giving her magical protection.
Dorothy and Toto begin walking along the yellow brick road toward the Emerald City. Along the way, they stop at a kind Munchkin’s house for a banquet.
The next day, they free a Scarecrow stuck on a pole, and he joins them because he wants a brain. Then, they meet a Tin Woodman, who is rusted and can’t move. Dorothy oils his joints, and he joins the group because he wants a heart. Finally, they meet a Cowardly Lion, who scares easily but wants to be brave, so he comes too.
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Together, the group continues toward the Emerald City, facing a few minor adventures along the way. When they arrive, the guardian of the gates gives each of them a pair of green-tinted glasses to protect their eyes from the dazzling brightness of the city.
Each one is brought to see the Wizard of Oz separately. The Wizard promises to help them, but only if they defeat the Wicked Witch of the West.
As they travel to face the witch, she spies on them, using her magical telescope eye. She sends a series of attacks: A pack of wolves, but the Tin Woodman defeats them with his axe, a flock of crows, but the Scarecrow twists their necks, a swarm of bees, but they die trying to sting the Tin Woodman, while the others hide in the Scarecrow’s straw, and a group of Winkie soldiers, but the Lion scares them away.
Finally, the witch uses the Golden Cap, which lets her control the Winged Monkeys, to capture the group.
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The Monkeys take Dorothy, Toto, and the Lion back to the witch’s castle. Scatter the Scarecrow’s straw, dent the Tin Woodman, and lock the Lion in a cage.
The witch makes Dorothy her slave and tries to steal her silver shoes, which are magical and powerful. The witch tricks Dorothy and manages to take one of the shoes. Angered, Dorothy throws a bucket of water at her and to everyone’s surprise, the witch melts away. The witch’s slaves, the Winkies, are overjoyed to be free.
They help Dorothy fix up her friends. They restuff the Scarecrow and repair the Tin Woodman, before Dorothy returns back home to her family.
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