The wizard of oz
A Musical Extravaganza
Music by Paul Tietjens
Book and Lyrics by L. Frank Baum
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Dorothy Gale, a Kansas girl, the victim of a cyclone - Principal Singing and Dancing Soubrette
The Cow, named Imogene, Dorothy’s playmate - Animal Impersonator (comic business)
Cynthia Cynch, the Lady Lunatic, a Munchkin Maiden - Character Comedienne, Mezzo
The Witch of the North, a protector of Dorothy - Tall handsome girl, Good speaking voice
Sir Dashemoff Daily, Poet Laureate - Prima Donna Soprano, pants role (girl impersonating boy)
Timothy, the Army of Pastoria - Comedy Bit
Pastoria II, ex-king of the Emerald City, with a conspiracy to regain his throne - Character Comedy
Tryxie Tryfle, prospective Queen of the Emerald City - Singing Ingenue, Mezzo-Soprano
Brigadier General Riskkitt, commanding Pastoria’s Army - Small Comedy part, Big Man
The Scarecrow, looking for brains - Principal Comedian
The Cowardly Lion - Animal Impersonator
Nick Chopper, the Tin Woodman, in search of a heart - Principal Comedian
Sir Wiley Gyle, a conspirator who scorns all magical arts - Character Old Man
Alonzo, a confederate - Chorus Bit
Bardo, the Wizard’s Factotum - Small Part
Oz, the Wonderful Wizard, Past Master of Magic, ruler of the Emerald City and Potentate of the Land of Oz - Irish Comedian, Small man
Tom Piper, The Poppy Queen, The Snow Queen – Small Part
Alberto, Captain of the Guard - Small Part
1st -9th Girls, Reuben, 1st Cook, 2nd Cook, Waitress – Speaking Lines
Chorus of Farmhands, Munchkin Youths and Maidens, Poppy Flowers, Snow Boys and Girls, Wise Men, Cooks, Waitresses, Royal Guests, etc.
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES
Act I Scene 1-A Kansas Farm
Scene 2-The Country of the Munchkins
Scene 3-The Road Through the Forest.
Scene 4-The Poppy Field.
Scene 5-The Poppy Field in Winter.
Act II. The Courtyard of the Wizard’s Palace in the Emerald City.
Act III. The Borderland, dividing the Kingdom of Oz from the Dominions of the Good Witch.
Argument
Dorothy and her cow, Imogene, are living peaceably on their Kansas farm when a cyclone suddenly appears, and when it clears away, they find themselves transplanted to the beautiful country of the Munchkins. Dorothy is advised by the Witch of the North (who proves to be her guardian spirit throughout the play) that she can only return to her home in Kansas by obtaining the assistance of the wonderful Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, with the cow, consequently starts out to find the Wizard at his palace in the Emerald City. On her way, she is joined from time to time by the other characters who, for various reasons, are also journeying to the Emerald City-Cynthia, because she has been told that her long lost lover Nicholas Chopper, had been turned into a Wizard-the Scarecrow in search of Brains - Pastoria to regain his crown and kingdom which the Wizard usurped-the Tinman for a heart to restore his love for Cynthia-Sir Dashemoff Daily because he is in love with Dorothy, and Tryxie, who follows her sweetheart Pastoria. The Cowardly Lion and Gen. Riskitt also joins the party. All goes well until they attempt to cross the enchanted poppy field, when they are lulled into a death-like sleep by the poisonous fragrance of the blossoms, and are only saved by the timely arrival of the good witch, who calls upon the spirits of the frozen North and the deadly flowers perish under their icy blasts.
During the Second Act, the various characters arrive at the Palace of the Wizard of Oz, just as he is giving his daily exhibition of fake magical tricks for the benefit of his subjects. Sir Wiley Gyle, who is a claimant to the throne, does his best to “queer” the Wizard. Pastoria assumes the disguise of Bardo, the confederate-the Wizard is exposed and Pastoria regains the throne.
In the last act, Pastoria has condemned everybody to death or imprisonment when Dorothy calls upon her friend, the Witch of the North. The latter responds, and is about to exert her power in their behalf, when Pastoria pardons them all rather than incur the Good Fairy’s displeasure.
History
While entirely forgotten today, the 1903 The Wizard of Oz was one of the most successful musical comedies of the turn of the century and firmly cemented the timeless story and characters in the hearts and minds of the American public, 37 years before the widely known MGM film. The Wizard of Oz opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on January 20,1903 and ran for a total of 464 performances. The original cast starred the comedy team of Fred Stone as the Scarecrow and David Montgomery as the Tin-Woodsman. The Wizard of Oz toured the country for seven seasons following its Broadway run.
L. Frank Baum, author of the beloved children’s book of the same title, penned the book and lyrics for this musical extravaganza. Paul Tietjens and A.B. Sloane composed the lilting musical score that also includes numerous interpolated numbers, catering to the publics’ ever changing taste. Popular song hits from the production include “Sammy,” “Hurrah for Baffin’s Bay,” and “When You Love, Love, Love.” The original production was lavishly staged by Julian Mitchell, one of the most famous theatrical directors of the time and inspired the creation of Victor Herbert’s musical extravaganza Babes in Toyland (1903).
Orchestration
Flute (doubles Piccolo)
Oboe
Clarinet 1 (in B-flat and A)
Clarinet 2 (in B-flat and A)
Bassoon
Horn 1
Horn 2
Cornet 1
Cornet 2
Trombone
Percussion (3 Players: Player 1: Timpani Player 2: Bells, Snare Drum, Triangle, Woodblock, Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal Player 3: Bass Drum & Cymbals)
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Bass
