Ivins, UT — There’s no clearer sign that summer has arrived in Utah than the return of Tuacahn’s outdoor theatre season, nestled in the red rock canyons of Ivins. Tuacahn’s 2025 production of The Wizard of Oz transforms a familiar journey with technical spectacle, thoughtful design, and just the right touch of theatrical magic.
Directed by Michael Heitzman, this production stays true to the charm of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, enhanced by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg’s iconic score, while infusing new energy through innovative staging and a strong cast. From the opening cyclone to the sparkling Emerald City, Tuacahn’s Oz offers more than nostalgia—it offers wonder.
One of the most beloved tales returns to Tuacahn, brought to life with daring flying maneuvers, dazzling pyrotechnics, stunning costuming, larger-than-life special effects that make this outdoor venue extraordinary. Audiences follow Dorothy as she’s whisked away over the rainbow to the magical land of Oz, where she joins forces with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion to find her way home. But danger lurks around every corner as the Wicked Witch of the West schemes to steal the enchanted ruby slippers—now on Dorothy’s feet—once worn by her fallen sister.
Photo by Leavitt Wells
Context: The Legacy of Oz
In a theatrical landscape filled with Oz reinterpretations—from the cinematic nostalgia of the 1939 MGM film, to the revisionist spectacle of Wicked, to the joyful, Black-centric retelling of The Wiz—Tuacahn’s production finds a confident place by honoring the heart of the original while embracing the possibilities of modern stagecraft. The stage version used here, adapted in 1987 by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, faithfully recreates the beloved film with added theatrical flair, using the original songs by Arlen and Harburg.
“Tuacahn’s Oz doesn’t reinvent the story—it reminds us why we fell in love with it in the first place.”
—Rhetorical Review—
Photo by Leavitt Wells
Where Wicked reframes the story through political allegory and The Wiz infuses the journey with gospel, funk, and a celebration of Black identity and culture. Tuacahn’s Wizard of Oz leans into a family-friendly classicism enriched by technical wonder. Rather than subverting the source material, this production revels in its familiar rhythms—then elevates them through spectacle, sincerity, and stunning design. It proves there’s still magic to be found somewhere over the rainbow—and it’s a particularly smart choice for a year nestled between the two-part Wicked film release, when audiences are already primed to return to the land of Oz.
A Visual Spectacle in Motion
Tuacahn is known for its grand scale, and Oz lives up to that reputation. Bryce Cutler’s video projections breathe cinematic life into the stage, from gently swaying Kansas telephone lines to a poppy field that seems to stretch for miles. The tornado sequence is particularly striking, seamlessly blending projection, lighting, and sound to immersive effect.
Nate Bertone’s scenic design complements the projections with functionality and charm. A glowing yellow brick road unfurls and retracts with effortless precision, guiding both characters and audience deeper into Oz. Costume designer Ryan Moller walks a delicate line between homage and innovation, each look is updated from the classic—offering a subtle but powerful visual choice that makes each scene more interesting than the last.
Photo by Leavitt Wells
Technical Marvels and Moments of Awe
This is a production defined by technical bravura. Flying effects by Paul Rubin (with equipment from Flying by Foy) elevate the magic—literally. From Glinda’s bubble to the winged monkey that swoops down over the audience, the airborne sequences are thrilling and fluid. Even more impressive is the puppetry. Scott Molampy’s full-body tree puppets are a standout—animated, expressive, and capable of hurling oversized apples across the stage with jaw-dropping accuracy. The flaming visage of Oz’s head is another showstopper, creating a visceral moment of awe and power.
Another moment of theatrical delight comes during the snowfall in the poppy field—a magical effect using soap-like foam that vanishes as it hits the ground. It’s a visually stunning interlude, made even more powerful by Glinda’s soaring vocals in the following number. Jillian Butler hits shimmering high notes that elevate the moment into something truly ethereal, reminding us that even small musical bridges can become emotional highlights when performed with precision and heart. Tuacahn’s Oz is filled with small, surprising delights.
The Wicked Witch’s smoking broom, the parade of real animals (including horses, goats, sheep, and baby cows), and Toto’s flawless obedience all add to the immersion. It’s a world so carefully crafted that even the snow—really a disappearing foam—feels enchanted.
Yet, not all effects soared. The iconic hourglass felt underwhelming in both scale and urgency. These theatrical flourishes aren’t just eye candy—they serve the story. Moments like these remind us that Oz is, above all, a place of enchantment.
Photo by Leavitt Wells
A Dorothy Worth Following
Mollie-Claire Matthews as Dorothy delivers a grounded, expressive performance, carrying the emotional arc of the show with grace and heart. She brings humor, vulnerability, and physicality to the role—navigating a space that demands both large-scale presence and sincere intimacy. Mathhews rendition of “Over the Rainbow” is not only vocally strong but also emotionally resonant.
As the Scarecrow, Eric B. Anthony brings comic charm, supple physicality, and an infectious sense of joy. His dancing shines—audiences who saw him as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid will recognize his precision and playfulness. That said, the tempo of “If I Only Had a Brain” felt a touch restrained; a quicker pace or added dance break could have given Anthony the spotlight he clearly deserves.
Davey Burton Midkiff brings strength and pathos to the Tin Man, grounding the character in sincerity rather than slapstick. Midkiff’s performance is heartfelt, with “If I Only Had a Heart” delivered not as a punchline, but as a genuine yearning. While the Tin Man can sometimes fade into the background between the more animated Scarecrow and Lion, Midkiff holds his own—offering a tender, understated performance that gives the trio its emotional anchor.
Nick Berninger is phenomenal as the Cowardly Lion, striking the perfect balance between nostalgia and nuance. His comedic timing, expressive physicality, and warmhearted delivery make him a crowd favorite—a performance that honors the beloved original while feeling fresh and joyfully alive. In his solo, “If I Were King of the Forest,” Berninger dons a dramatic black cape reminiscent of Elphaba’s from Wicked—a clever costume choice that adds a sly theatrical wink to Oz aficionados while reinforcing the scene’s comic grandeur.
Jillian Butler’s Glinda glides in with elegance—literally—descending in a glowing pink hoop that evokes classic stage magic. Her performance is vocally rich, with crystalline soprano notes that reach higher than most traditional interpretations. The result is a Glinda who feels not just kind and sparkly, but commanding.
Fred Inkley was especially memorable as both Professor Marvel and the Wizard, offering a performance full of wit, empathy, and spontaneity that anchored several key scenes. He captures the character’s contradictions well—the charm of a traveling fortune-teller, the theatrical bravado of a snake oil salesman, and the vulnerability of a man caught in his own web of lies.
His advice, though confidently delivered, is often hollow. “Hearts will never be practical until they are unbreakable” sounds wise until you think about it—and realize it’s a dodge, not a truth. Likewise, his claim that “a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others” reflects a troublingly selfish framing of love, prioritizing external validation over genuine care. These moments reveal just how fragile the Wizard’s illusion really is. When Dorothy finally says, “If you were really great and powerful, you would keep your promises,” the moment lands with emotional precision—cutting through the smoke and mirrors to reveal what truly matters.
Julie Cardia stands out as the Wicked Witch of the West with relish and razor-sharp timing. Draped in green and crackling with menace, her performance is equal parts theatrical and delightfully wicked. She relishes the role’s iconic lines without turning them into caricature, allowing the character’s fury and bitterness to simmer beneath the surface. Her entrances—often accompanied by plumes of smoke and a broom that literally smolders—are thrilling, and she commands the stage every time she appears. Cardia’s Witch isn’t just a villain; she’s a force of chaos, jealousy, and theatrical glee.
The youth ensemble brought energy and cohesion, especially in Munchkinland, and Mr. Baum, the real-life pup playing Toto, deserves a special round of applause.
“Spectacle, sincerity, and an adorable dog—what more could you ask for over the rainbow?”
—Rhetorical Review—
Photo by Leavitt Wells
Choreography, Music, and Direction in Harmony
Choreographer Robbie Roby navigated the complexities of working with a mixed-age cast with skill. The movement was clean, dynamic, and well-suited to the outdoor stage. The ensemble numbers had clarity and style without overreaching. Daniel Mollett’s orchestra offered lush live accompaniment, grounding the production in a rich musical landscape that elevated every moment.
Under Heitzman’s direction, the show flows: transitions are smooth, and the blend of classic and contemporary sensibilities feel balanced and intentional.
Photo by Leavitt Wells
Why This Oz Matters Now
At a time when modern reimaginings dominate the theatrical landscape, The Wizard of Oz at Tuacahn dares to lean into timelessness. It doesn’t attempt to outdo Wicked or reframe the narrative through a postmodern lens. Instead, it asks us to remember—to reinhabit a story that shaped generations, and to see it again with fresh wonder under the stars.
This production may not offer radical reinterpretation, but it does something equally valuable: it restores our belief in the magic of theatre itself. In a world where cynicism often wins, Oz offers courage, heart, brains—and a clear path home.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Dorothy’s journey or simply seeking a night of enchantment, Tuacahn’s Wizard of Oz is an unforgettable ride down the yellow brick road. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave with a renewed belief in the simple truth that’s carried generations:
There’s no place like theatre.
Show Details
The Wizard of Oz
🕰️ When: Nightly performances, Monday–Saturday at 8:45 PM
📅 Dates: Now through October 23, 2025
📍 Where: Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah
Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission
🎟️ Tickets: $63–$145 (pricing varies by seating tier)
📞 Box Office: 800-746-9882
Parking: Free on-site parking available
Weather Policy: As an outdoor venue, performances are weather-dependent; bring layers for cooler desert evenings
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating available; assisted listening devices provided upon request
👶 Age Recommendation: Family-friendly and appropriate for all ages (children under 3 not permitted)
🌐 Website & Tickets: tuacahn.org.
Cast of The Wizard of Oz – Tuacahn 2025
Mollie-Claire Matthews – Dorothy
Mr. Baum – Toto
Jillian Butler* – Aunt Em / Glinda
Randal Keith* – Uncle Henry / Emerald City Guard
Nick Berninger* – Zeke / Cowardly Lion
Davey Burton Midkiff* – Hickory / Tin Man
Eric B. Anthony* – Hunk / Scarecrow
Julie Cardia* – Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West
Fred Inkley* – Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz
* Indicates a member of the Actors’ Equity Association
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