Regardless of one’s affinity for musical theatre, there are certain musicals that most people can enjoy. It would be difficult to find a person who cannot at least hum along to songs like “Yellow Brick Road” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.” Thus, it is easy to see why Milburn Stone Theatre’s (MST) spring family musical would be “The Wizard of Oz”. “This Wizard of Oz” is a musical teeming with well-known music from “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” to “Over the Rainbow”, yet it is truly the wonderful work of the Milburn cast and crew that bring the story to life on stage.

Newcomer to MST Marina Yiannouris shines as Dorothy Gale, the show’s innocent protagonistfrom Kansas. Her performance is vivacious and endearing, capturing the audience in her story. Her voice is sweet and powerful at the same time. The audience does not find it hard to love Dorothy as Yiannouris gave her a sweet and kindly personality that only the most soulless could find hate. Everyone’s two favorite witches, Glinda, and the Wicked Witchare played by Natalie Bordley and Michele Nardi, respectively. Bordley’s performance as the Good Witch is graceful and elegant while Nardi’s Wicked Witch is deliciously devious and cunning.

A good production is only as good as the crew behind it, and this production has an exceptionally talented crew. One standout crew member is the set designer Kat Magaña. Her sets—from homey Kansas to dreamlike Emerald City—enthrall the audience and keep the magic of the story alive. Throughout the production, Magaña has engineered truly bewitching spectacles that keeps the audience captivated.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a funny and dynamic show teaching children—and adults—lessons that they can carry with them throughout life, whether they are facing the fantastical or the practical. For example, in the first few scenes Dorothy feels she is all alone in the world, but all it takes is for her to look closer to find that she was surrounded by people who loved her all along. These kind of themes are what make the show a fun ride for anyone, no matter the age.

The show runs at the MST for one more weekend: April 20, 21, and 22. Showings on Friday and Saturday are at 8 pm and on Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets can be acquired by calling the box office at 410-287-1037 or by visiting the theatre on their website at milburnstone.com.