There are two full-length versions of The Wizard of Oz: MUNY and RSC. Both include the songs "Over The Rainbow," "Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead)," "If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve," "We're Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road)," "The Jitterbug," and "The Merry Old Land of Oz." The MUNY version also has "Evening Star." The RSC version also includes "Poppies (Optimistic Voices)" and "If I Were King Of The Forest."
The RSC version is a more faithful adaptation of the film. A more technically complex production, it recreates the dialogue and structure of the MGM classic nearly scene for scene, though it is adapted for live stage performance. The RSC version's musical material also provides more work for the SATB chorus and small vocal ensembles.
The MUNY Version is more theatrically conservative, employing its stage, actors, singers, dancers and musicians in traditional ways. Using L. Frank Baum's book - and not the MGM film - as its inspiration, this version employs story and songs as elements of a classic stage musical, adding a bit more humor to the witch and her cronies. The MUNY version does not include Toto, but instead adds new characters, including Farmhand Joe, Gloria of Oz, Lord Growlie, Tibia (the witch's skeletal assistant), two comical neighboring witches, and the Royal Army of Oz.
The Youth Edition, reduced from the RSC version, is a one-hour adaptation of Baum's classic tale, specially designed for young performers. It contains all the major numbers from the RSC version and includes production resources including a director's guide and accompaniment tracks for rehearsal and performance.
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Rosemary Bucher
Educational Theatre Licensing Coordinator
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2021 08:24
From: Melissa Mintzer
Subject: Wizard of Oz differences
I am only familiar with the RSC version - having done it in 2020 (closing weekend on March 7th, just before the pandemic). I know that this is the version that most closely parallels the movie, which is what our community would expect.
On a side note -and shameless plug - we built ALL of the costumes, props, remote control Toto and more... looking to sell it. Our new HS space just opened, but storage space is minimal... we're hoping to find someone to purchase the whole kit and kaboodle! We are located in Lancaster County, PA (south central region).
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Melissa Mintzer
Penn Manor High School
Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 13:25
From: Erika Trahan
Subject: Wizard of Oz differences
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone could give me a quick rundown of the differences in the three versions available for the Wizard of Oz..
Years ago I THINK we did the RSC version, but I wasn't director then so I'm not positive.
RSC version
Muny Version
Youth edition
Pros/Cons- what is ommitted/added in each?
Erika
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Erika Trahan
Kaplan High School
LA
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