"LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS, Oh, my!" Oh my, is right! Exclamation points seem the only way to write about Diablo Light Opera Company's opening show of the season, "The Wizard of Oz." The extravagant musical flew into the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts last weekend and will continue to enchant through Sept. 27. The sets by designer Peter Crompton were a fanciful bonanza for the eyes (although they sometimes took awhile to change). Thanks to Las Vegas' ZFX, Glinda the Good Witch (aka Auntie Em played by Judy Ryken) made an elaborate entrance on a flying wreath of flowers. Also taking flight were Dorothy (charmingly portrayed by the multi-talented Madeline Trumble), the Monkey Commander (a take-charge Tammy Nishimura), and, of course, that nemesis of goodness, The Wicked Witch of the West (the masterfully evil Pam Koepf). In fact, Koepf's adeptness at spray painting graffiti in the clouds ("Surrender Dorothy") while balancing on her broom stick could make her eligible for a position on Harry Potter's Quidditch team. While not literally flying, the Tin Man (Robert Sholty), Scarecrow (James Koponen), and Cowardly Lion (David Collins) soared to their own heights. It's quite a challenge to play roles made famous on Broadway and in the movies, but these three talented performers were more than up to the task.

Director Byron Peters has done a wonderful job leading his large cast of adults and children through this beloved classic. The Munchkin scenes were hilarious with swivel stools and fun costumes by Carol Edlinger shrinking the adults down to size. Choreographer Sheri Stockdale had her work cut out for her creating a plethora of dances for swiveling Munchkins, crowing blackbirds, mischievous jitterbugs, hypnotic poppies, and marching Winkies. Special effects also kept the excitement high with pyrotechnics, smoke, and black lights enhancing the story.

It was a treat to attend a performance with so many enthusiastic young people, many of whom couldn't resist singing along with the characters or warning them of dangers ahead. If you have a young one who might enjoy this treat (although it's perfectly acceptable for adults to go alone), I suggest you reserve your tickets now. Judging by the capacity crowds on Labor Day weekend, a ticket to Oz could get as tricky as finding your way back to Kansas. Call the DLRCA at 925-943-SHOW.