If you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

If you haven’t…well, stop reading for a moment and go watch it! It’s one of those timeless classics everyone should experience at least once.

I hadn’t seen the movie in quite a number of years. One of the blessings of getting older is that I seem to keep all the good memories tucked away in my memory banks. Last Friday, we had tickets to see The Wizard of Oz at the Hale Centre Theatre, and I’m so glad I hadn’t watched the movie recently.

I’ll tell you why in a minute.

The music was every bit as wonderful as I remembered, but the Hale Centre Theatre transformed this familiar story into something truly magical.

Dorothy’s voice was powerful, yet beautifully innocent. She lit up the stage from the moment she appeared. Her charisma and confidence made it impossible to take your eyes off her.

Then there was Toto.

Instead of using a real dog, Toto was brought to life by a young puppeteer—I’d guess he was around 12 years old. His skill amazed me. Every movement of the rods and strings gave Toto a personality all his own. Before long, I completely forgot I was watching a puppet.

Back on the Kansas farm, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, and the three farmhands clearly adore Dorothy, and she loves them just as much. But when the nasty Mrs. Gulch arrives with papers from the sheriff ordering Toto to be taken away and put to sleep, there’s little the family can do. Heartbroken, Dorothy runs away.

Then comes the tornado.

And just like that…

Dorothy lands in Oz.

I’m not going to give you a scene-by-scene review because that would spoil the fun. Let’s just say that once Dorothy arrives, life becomes “a horse of a different color.”

The three farmhands magically become the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each performer had an incredible voice that filled every corner of the theater. But the Cowardly Lion? Oh. My. Goodness! His performance nearly stole the show. His voice was absolutely phenomenal, and his comic timing had the audience laughing throughout.

One thing that truly impressed me was the ensemble cast. They were the heartbeat of the production.

From Glinda, the Good Witch, to the Munchkins, Flying Monkeys, Winkie Guards, the delightfully grumpy Apple Trees, and, of course, the mysterious Wizard himself, every performer committed wholeheartedly to their role. Their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication elevated the entire production.

That’s what makes community theater—and especially the Hale Centre Theatre—so special. Every person on that stage matters, and every person gives their all.

I have a little confession.

When Dorothy hugged the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion goodbye before clicking her ruby slippers together and returning home to Kansas…

…I cried.

Yes, I really did.

Now, remember when I said I was glad I hadn’t seen the movie in years?

Here’s why.

I’d forgotten so many of the little details that make this story so special. Watching the stage production felt less like revisiting an old favorite and more like discovering it all over again. For a couple of wonderful hours, I wasn’t an adult sitting in a theater.

I was ten years old again.

And honestly, that’s a pretty wonderful place to be.

We’ve already purchased tickets to see The Little Mermaid later this month, and I can’t wait to experience that story with my 10-year-old heart once again.

I’d love to hear from you.

What’s your favorite movie musical? Have you ever seen it performed on stage? Was it different from the movie?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

—Eydie