Gannon Knight ArtsLeisure

     Since its release in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” has spawned various spin-offs, like “The Wiz” and the ever-popular “Wicked,” and it may seem like the yellow brick road has grown spindly with multiple interpretations of the same fantasy land.
     Though it may seem next to impossible for any theatrical device to usurp the classic munchkins and flying monkeys contained in the original, Gannon University alumnus and E-Marketing Coordinator Zach Flock’s rendition, “The Oz Project,” comes close, delivering a fresh take that suits today’s modern audience.
     Junior mechanical engineering major Taylor Corn said he was impressed by Flock’s ability to twist the classic tale into a contemporary story.
     “I enjoyed the challenge that the show presented me,” Corn said. “It was entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time.”
     The modern-day vibe of the show is established by the futuristic sound effects like zaps back and forth between characters representing fire bolts and exchanges of power. A focal point of the set is the main display, which consists of two projector screens that show maps of Oz and communication between characters.
     The lighting effects under and above the set highlight dramatic scenes, such as when the main characters, Thea, Fidgits, Void and Crookes are captured by Solarian Guards. The lighting also represents the time of day in the scenes.
     Throughout the show, there are constant reminders that the setting is definitely that of another world, not one familiar to foreigners of Oz. This is apparent by unique salutes, weapons and lifestyles of the characters.
     Despite these factors, the audience can still relate, but it is clear that there are fundamental differences between Oz and the world we know.
     Another factor that contributes to the believability of the dreamland-Oz is the costuming and makeup, designed by Jessica Charlton, Alana Sopko and Jax Kubiak. Crookes, played by Edinboro University graduate student Dominic Del Greco, had specifically striking makeup. Del Greco’s mature acting style was perfectly in-tune with his realistic lion/professor-esque costume.
     Also presenting realistic and mature acting skills is Charlton, who plays Solara, a character comparable to the Wicked Witch of the West. Her stage presence and confidence are very professional, and she never breaks character. It is evident that she takes her part seriously and grew into authoritative Solara.
     Bringing the show full-circle are the characters of the what-I’m-not-in-Kansas-anymore-Thea, played by Allison Kessler; the General, played by Luis Pontillo; and Glyn, played by Alyssa Pelinsky.
     Kessler, a freshman theater/communication arts major, shows her zeal for acting from the start of the show. She brings an incredible energy to the show and plays a believable “Dorothy.” She travels through Oz and makes friends throughout her journey, but is in no way a damsel in distress like the original character.
     Pontillo, a freshman theater/communications arts major, portrays an older, wiser man with his commanding presence on stage. He and Pelinsky, his daughter in the show, have evident chemistry that adds depth to both of their characters.
     “The Oz Project” is not an average trip down the yellow brick road, but it is certainly worth a trek to an ultramodern world.