By ROGER SMITH

ASHTABULA - - It is rumored that when L. Frank Baum wrote "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' he had decided on everything except the name of the city where the wizard lived.

This was in the days of two-drawer filing cabinets, requiring that the alphabet be halved for purposes of locating important documents. Supposedly, his bottom drawer housed papers from O - Z. In this folklore tidbit, he looked down and the rest became history.

"The Wizard of Oz" is the first of the summer shows at Straw Hat Theatre on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center. This show has potential, but it just wasn't there on opening night. Usually, I'm hesitant about attending an opening night performance at Straw Hat Theatre, simply because of time constraints on the participants who are trying to put the final touches on year-end exams and go to rehearsals at the same time.

My fears were well-founded, not so much because of the actors but because some technical aspects of the show could have worked better. Cases in point: microphones were open when they should have been closed; microphones were closed when they should have been open; sometimes actors were playing in the dark; sometimes stage hands were changing the set with the lights up. Quite often, great groans could be heard emanating from the sound system - - along with an occasional high-pitched squeal.

Ashtabula audiences are usually very forgiving, as is this writer. However, opening night audiences deserve the same quality that the closing night audience gets. It seems to be the trend that ticket sales are light the first weekend, based on the theory that "it will get better and better as they do it more and more." Opening nights are opening nights, no matter when. Perhaps the solution is to delay the openings for a week, thereby allowing more time for rehearsals.

Margaret Hamilton played the Wicked Witch in the movie. Ellen Kolman gave Miss Hamilton a run for her money in the same role at Straw Hat; Kolman's performance - wart and all - was as entertaining as Hamilton's. I was impressed with Bill Baker as the Cowardly Lion. His cowardice was funny and sad at the same time. Julia Hines was delightful in the role of Dorothy Gale. She managed her songs, her lines and her little dog Toto with panache and professionalism. Hines has a delightful voice that is easy to listen to.

Fred Robsel as Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard, Clay Nielsen as Hickory/Tin Woodsman, Ralph Bacon as Hunk/Scarecrow, and Marti Dixon as Aunt Em/Glinda the Good Witch all gave substantial performances in their respective dual roles. Hordes of Ozians and Munchkins dotted the stage throughout the evening, dancing and singing the music that stays in one's heart from childhood on.

The costumes were colorful and appropriate, although one distracting dancer could stand a bit of elastic in his waistband! Pay special attention to the apple trees on stage; they should take a bough for the best costuming. The stage was simple, leaving much to the imagination.

"The Wizard of Oz" continues today, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, June 22, and 23. You can bet your bottom dollar that the problems will be fixed by the 8 p.m. curtain today. Tickets may be reserved by phoning the arts center at 964-3396.

Star Beacon Print Edition: 6/15/2007

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