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'Wizard of Oz' review - A stage version of the 1939 film was performed at the Redlands Bowl last week

REDLANDS - The promotional line for the musical "Wicked" says, "So much happened before Dorothy dropped in."

The popularity of "Wicked" may at times seem to eclipse the original story, but if L. Frank Baum had not had Dorothy drop in more than 100 years ago, there would be no "Wicked" - or what is perhaps the most iconic movie ever made.

A stage adaptation of the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz," directed by LifeHouse Theater founder Wayne Scott, packed the Redlands Bowl last week.

I admit I had some qualms when I attended a dress rehearsal Monday evening. Things looked a bit rough technically. Scott said he and his crew worked on the nuts and bolts until 4 a.m.

"Pulling off a cinematic masterpiece like this, on a budget, outdoors, is like a moon landing," he said Tuesday morning.

"We came a long ways after the wee hours," he said.

And seeing the show again Friday erased my skepticism - and thoroughly entertained me   Read Full Article...