By Jody Tuso-Key: Managing Editor
Photo Credit: Ben Rose Photography
THE WIZARD OF OZ is one of my favorite books and movies of all time. Lately, I feel like I’m in my Oz era. For my birthday, I treated myself to a girls’ trip specifically to revere THE WIZARD OF OZ (the film) at the Las Vegas Sphere in November, and I also cherished WICKED in theaters during its opening weekend. As the saying goes, “Three’s a charm,” and this past Saturday, I had the absolute pleasure of thoroughly enjoying The Wizard of Oz at the Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs, presented by City Springs Theatre Company.
I had previously seen the musical on stage in 2000 with my then three-year-old child. My daughter-in-love also played Dorothy in the Gainesville Theatre Alliance production six years ago. All this is to say: I am a WIZARD OF OZ connoisseur. Being the film nerd that I am, I’m one of those annoying people who can spout off facts nobody asked for—about the filming, the actors, the directors, the makeup techniques, and more.
I’ve been eagerly anticipating City Springs Theatre Company’s production of THE WIZARD OF OZ ever since the 2025–2026 season was announced. Based on the beloved series by L. Frank Baum, which began in 1900, this enduring work has captivated audiences for 125 years. This stage adaptation draws from the iconic 1939 film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, while adding delightful theatrical elements: preludes to many of the best-known songs, extended dance numbers, and witty added dialogue.
City Springs Theatre Company’s interpretation is directed by the legendary Baayork Lee, whose résumé includes over 50 years of work with A CHORUS LINE, as well as directing CSTC’s productions of A CHORUS LINE, CATS, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She brings her signature ingenuity and choreography to the production, including a spectacular tornado ballet that is not to be missed.
I seem to say this every time I’m blessed to see a City Springs Theatre Company production, but—as my dad used to tell my mom when she made a great meal—“Jean, you’ve done it again!” So here I go again: City Springs Theatre Company, you’ve done it again! They’ve conjured up another holiday offering for families, and somehow, each year the show is even more enchanting than the last. This production honors the original source material while adding marvelous embellishments.
LET’S GET TO THE SUPERLATIVES:
TERRIFIC TECHNICAL EXECUTION
City Springs Theatre Company’s technical execution is unmatched in Atlanta, and it takes a huge tribe of artists working in harmony to create such a beautiful show.
Bravo #1 goes to scenic designer Kaitlyn Peterson, lighting designer Thomas C. Hase, and projection stage manager Caitlyn Denney-Turner, along with their phenomenal crews, for the spectacular set and lighting design. The majority of the set is static, with additional pieces moving on and offstage to establish each scene. The set is designed to absorb light, while an upstage LED screen provides animated backgrounds. I especially loved the rainbow effect that washes over the house when Dorothy enters the Land of Oz. The seamless combination of lighting, projections, and LED imagery transforms each scene effortlessly.
Bravo #2 goes to the sound team, led by Anthony Narcisco, and the orchestra under the direction of music director and conductor Holt McCarley. The sound design and special effects were beautifully mixed, and the orchestra captured the lush essence of the film’s iconic score—without a single wrong note.
Bravo #3 goes to costume designers Theresa Ham, Ryan Moller, and Amanda West, along with wig designer Alycia Berry and their respective crews. They created stunning stage pictures, and truly—every hair was in place.
A+ ACTING BY TERRIFIC TRIPLE THREATS
Baayork Lee cast the show with the original source material in mind, a fitting tribute to the 1939 film, which turns 86 years old this year. Audiences will absolutely fall in love with every character.
- Elizabeth Hall as Dorothy Gale has the voice, the mannerisms, and a smooth alto grounded by her own beautiful high notes.
- Stanley Martin as Scarecrow/Hunk is as handsome and endearing as Ray Bolger, with a delightfully clumsy dance style and a warm, expressive voice.
- Tyler Pirrung as Tin Man/Hickory adds depth and heart to his roles and delivers a fun tap number during his musical soliloquy.
- Nick Morette as Cowardly Lion/Zeke channels Burt Lahr’s iconic performance (later echoed in Snagglepuss). He has a gorgeous voice and impeccable comedic timing.
- Kristine Reese as Glinda/Aunt Em brings a lovely soprano and a look reminiscent of Ariana Grande’s Galinda in WICKED. Watch closely—you might catch a hair toss or two.
- Courtnay Collins as the Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch is just as menacing as five-year-old me remembers. She’s the villain we love to hate—especially with the additional context audiences now bring from WICKED.
- Jeff McKerley as the Wizard of Oz/Professor Marvel is inspired casting. A dear personal friend and, in my humble opinion, one of the best actors in Atlanta, Jeff reprises a role he previously played opposite my daughter-in-love, Taylor Priday-Key, at Gainesville Theatre Alliance. His character work and comedic timing are unmatched.
- Chris Damiano as the Emerald City Guard/Uncle Henry has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. He’s endearing—and surprising—when he opens up in song. What a wonderful voice!
And let’s not forget the ensemble, swings, and all the Munchkins—35 in total, played by children split into two casts. These young performers add tremendous joy and energy to the production.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for coming together to create true musical theater magic! This show is a Speakeysie HOT TICKET and is sure to sell out. Give the gift of live theater this holiday season—grab your tickets, don your best Oz costume, and head over before the show closes on December 28.
Tickets are available at cityspringstheatre.com, and season passes make excellent stocking stuffers.
As always, thank you for your readership, and peace be with you!
Speakeysie 