Since 1902 The Wizard of Oz has been appearing in various forms and stages around the world. Whether it’s the classic 1939 film, a high school production, or one of the many touring or local theatre versions it has maintained its allure and continues to be passed down the generations. The version on tour currently – in Calgary until February 21st and then heading to Edmonton February 23rd – 28th – is an adaptation from 2011 by musical icons Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

A packed Jubilee Auditorium of adults and kids alike buzzed with energy as they took their seats. How would this production compare to others? How with current technology would we be whisked away to The Emerald City? What were these new songs?

In a 2010 Daily Mail interview Webber said The fact is that The Wizard of Oz has never really worked in the theatre. The film has one or two holes where in the theatre you need a song. For example, there's nothing for either of the two witches to sing. And so 8 new songs have been added – some such as The Wicked Witch’s Red Shoe Blues are absolutely stellar. Other’s don’t seem to make a difference one way or the other. That has been a trademark of Webber with most of his musicals featuring those one or two famous songs amidst others that are often forgettable.

The casting for the show is excellent. Sarah Lasko’s Dorothy captures the essence of Judy Garland’s iconic portrayal while still making the character her own. Morgan Reynold’s Scarecrow, Jay McGill’s Tin Man and Aaron Fried’s Lion are also unique yet still a tribute to the iconic characters. The lion’s implied sexuality is a bit overplayed at some points – there is a "Friend of Dorothy joke" among others – but they are still characters that the audience will connect to.

Shani Hadjian is reimagined as the Wicked Witch of the West. Gone is the black hat and drab costume, she looks stunning in gown like costuming that still represents her evil side but eliminates the stereotype of the hideous witch.

Utilizing big screens to create aspects like the tornado and the flying monkeys adds a new dimension to the stage show. Staging wise it is absolutely spectacular and will undoubtedly leave many in the audience, especially kids, in awe.

The Wizard of Oz is like comfort food. It’s warm, you know what to expect and while aspects of it have changed over the years it remains the same at its core even with a few different spices, or in this case songs and effects, sprinkled in. You’ll leave satisfied with another addition to the many memories of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, The Munchkins and the rest of Oz.