“Ease On Down the Road” may not be the song you would naturally choose to hum as you move through summertime traffic and highway construction sites on your way to see the Maine State Music Theatre’s latest production. But it will be hard not to do so on your way home.

It’s a catchy song, first known to many through the film version of “The Wiz,” which had Diana Ross and Michael Jackson dancing their way down that Yellow Brick Road. The tune, of course, had its origin on the stage, and at Brunswick, it’s given a fine reading, as is “Brand New Day,” the other major hit from the multi-award winning musical.

Like the film, the MSMT version of “The Wiz” definitely has a stylistic feel straight out of the 1970s. Funky music, colorful costumes and loose-limbed choreography make for an entertaining time in the comfortable confines of the Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College campus.

It’s not a quiet show. Even the ballads are of the power variety, and there were a few instances when the attempt to maintain a sinister atmosphere may have led to some slightly underlit dance sequences.

But overall, the talented, all-African-American cast, under the direction of Donna Drake, brought a lot of Broadway savvy to bear, and the show, as reviewed at Friday’s matinee, was ultimately very satisfying in its retelling of the story of a young girl’s journey to a strange place full of Munchkins and Monkeys.

LaQuet Sharnell was a bundle of energy in the lead role. Her dancing (would that there were more), enlivened several numbers, and her singing, culminating in the grand finale, “Home,” was impressive.

Eric B. Anthony, E. Clayton Cornelious and Nikkieli De-Mone were each distinctive in their roles as the needy companions Dorothy acquires on her way to meet the Wizard.

As the Tinman, Cornelious may have nosed out the others with musical numbers in which his voice projected perfectly above the nine-piece offstage orchestra’s insistent swells.

Anthony, as the Scarecrow, was all flips and splits in his movements and had a chance to update the show’s humor in a few places.

DeMone’s Lion had a particularly funny interlude with some amorous Poppies on his way to finding some courage.

Gwen Stewart took advantage of two juicy roles as both a good and a bad witch. In the latter part, she commanded her minions with assertive style to bring her “No Bad News.”

As Glinda, Gayle Turner, a veteran of the original Broadway production of the musical, delivered the show’s big message to Dorothy and company when she sang “Believe in Yourself.”

Bobby Daye proved an undaunted Wiz when he sang “Y’all Got It” after being unmasked.

Finally, mention must be made of Snickers, a very dignified terrier who stole a couple of scenes as Toto.

“The Wiz” completes the season at MSMT on an upbeat and fun note.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.

 

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