Bowker Auditorium, University of Massachusetts

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Amherst, MA

What: "The Wizard of Oz"

I have to admit that I was shocked when my 20-year-old daughter wanted tickets to "The Wizard of Oz" for Christmas. Why? Because she had never been into plays--especially musicals--even when she was younger. If she had been, she would have wanted something with a grownup theme--something inappropriate for children.  She was one of those kids, even as a preschooler, who would rather be listening to the adults than playing with other children--a grownup before her time. Things have changed! After a quick dinner at Rafters, we headed to UMass to see Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater's production of "The Wizard" at the venerable Bowker Auditorium. It was shockingly well done. Emma Henderson, who played Dorothy, had an unbelievable voice and stage presence even though she looked to be about 12. Another standout was Becca Greene-Van Horn, who played the witch. The sets, music, and acting have to be among the best local theater in the country. Emily, my daughter, proved to me that it's never too late to embrace childhood and experience the thrill of Dorothy's journey to Oz.