Casting a Musical Spell: Examining the Witch's Music Piece in the Wizard of Oz

By admin

The music piece performed by the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz is a powerful and haunting composition that perfectly captures the essence of her character. As she sings, her voice carries a sense of darkness and menace, leaving the audience in awe of her villainous presence. The music itself is characterized by its dissonant chords and eerie melodies. It features a minor key, which adds to the overall feeling of unease and foreboding. The orchestration is sparse, relying on haunting strings and brooding brass instruments to create a sense of darkness. The lyrics of the song further enhance the wicked witch's persona.


Daniel Fontneau, of Cotuit as Uncle Henry/Guard
Daniel Fontneau is a local performer as well as a long-time employee of the Cotuit Center for the Arts, where he is currently the Marketing Manager. The Cape Cod Times called Daniel “a master of facial expression” for his 2018 performance in “Urinetown,” and he’s appeared in many other productions at theaters all over the Cape, including “Pirates of Penzance,” “Annie,” “Waiting for Godot,” “Cabaret,” “Death of a Salesman,” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

Daniel Fontneau , of Cotuit as Uncle Henry Guard Daniel Fontneau is a local performer as well as a long-time employee of the Cotuit Center for the Arts, where he is currently the Marketing Manager. Inspired by the 1995 symphonic presentation of The Wizard of Oz in Concert featuring Jewel as Dorothy, Jackson Browne as the Scarecrow, Roger Daltrey as the Tin Man, and Nathan Lane as the Cowardly Lion, the Cape Symphony has created its own all-star version of this Hollywood classic.

Music piece performed by the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz

The lyrics of the song further enhance the wicked witch's persona. She sings of her desire for power and control, as well as her disdain for the protagonist, Dorothy. The words are filled with venom and malice, showcasing the evil nature of the character.

Cape Symphony Presents “The Wizard of Oz in Concert” with the Cotuit Center for the Arts

“We’re off to see the Wizard” in a very rare and unique presentation of The Wizard of Oz in Concert on Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. The Cape Symphony partners with Cotuit Center for the Arts in this evocative take on the original Harold Arlen film score where actors and orchestra share the stage.

Inspired by the 1995 symphonic presentation of “The Wizard of Oz in Concert” featuring Jewel as Dorothy, Jackson Browne as the Scarecrow, Roger Daltrey as the Tin Man, and Nathan Lane as the Cowardly Lion, the Cape Symphony has created its own all-star version of this Hollywood classic. This concert will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Cape Cod to experience the melding of theater and orchestra in a tribute to the beloved film.

“This is going to be a concert you won’t soon forget, whether you remember the movie from your own childhood or are sharing it with a child in your life,” said Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “We’ve cast the area’s most talented performers, paired them with our very own orchestra, and mastered the fun and engaging music for a fantastic journey to the Land of Oz!”

Familiar songs like “Over the Rainbow,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” and “If I Only Had a Brain” will take the audience down the Yellow Brick Road for a musical adventure with their old friends Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Half-priced tickets are available for students ages 6 through 22. Families are encouraged to attend.

“This performance will have the audience engrossed in what is happening on stage,” said Pak. “It’s truly an immersive experience that will pick you up and carry you away to the Emerald City.”

The Cape Symphony and Cotuit Center for the Arts will present “The Wizard of Oz in Concert” on Saturday, February 9 at 3:00 and 7: 30 PM & Sunday, February 10 at 3:00 PM at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis. For more information or to purchase tickets visit capesymphony.org or call 508.362.1111.

“Wizard of Oz in Concert” CAST
Jessica Curran, originally from Sandwich (now based in Boston), as Dorothy
After small town beginnings with the Falmouth Big Band “Stage Door Canteen,” Jessica Curran went on to explore the world musically as a jazz-pop vocalist, composer, arranger and lyricist with engagements in Rio De Janeiro, Sweden and Brazil. Her debut album “Here” was launched in October 2017, blending lush jazz harmonies with worldly storytelling.

Keirnon McDermott, of Hyannis, as the Scarecrow
Keirnon McDermott has been an actor, singer and performer since second grade. He’s been actively involved in theaters all over Cape Cod and Massachusetts and is currently working with The Falmouth Theater Guild and Cotuit Center for the Arts. Favorite roles have included Leo Bloom, Puck, Dr. Frank-N-Furter and of course, The Scarecrow. In addition to acting and singing, Keirnon is also trained in costume design and special effects makeup.

Anthony Teixeira, of Centerville, as the Tin Man
A local performer, producer, music director and educator, Anthony Teixeira has performed in many Cape Cod performances with Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cape Rep Theatre, and Harwich Junior Theatre. Cape Symphony fans may recall Anthony as a featured singer in the 2015 Holiday on the Cape concert where he sang the role of the Skin Horse in “What is Real?” from The Velveteen Rabbit.

Jeffrey Clonts, of Yarmouth Port, as the Cowardly Lion
The Wizard of Oz is one of Jeffrey Clonts favorite musical scores. Many years ago he had the honor of playing Tin Man in a production starring Andrea McArdle and now he’ll bring his acting prowess to the role of the Cowardly Lion. Jeffrey has been seen locally in productions of “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum” and “A Little Night Music” at Eventide Theater Company in Dennis and “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Other performing highlights include Broadway productions of “Les Miserable” and “CATS.” Jeff can most often be seen “rocking the house” as an award-winning Realtor®/Broker with The Cape House Team at William Raveis.

Eileen Fendler, of Hyannis, as the Wicked Witch of the West
Also a former resident of New York, Eileen Fendler will share the stage with her husband Paul (Scarecrow) as the Wicked Witch of the West. She worked professionally in regional theatre for 10 years before moving to the Cape in 1998. She also worked in summer stock in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Some stand-out roles include: Val in “A Chorus Line,” Anytime Annie in “42nd Street,” Lily St. Regis in “Annie” and the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz.” She is also one half of the music duo “Two Cool,” which performs across Cape Cod.

Kami Lyle, of Harwich, as Aunt Em/Glinda
Kami Lyle is a Berklee graduate, award-winning singer/songwriter/pianist and trumpet player from Minneapolis, MN. She is the host of “The Kami Lyle Sit-A-While. real songs, real writers, fake fireplace.” Her songs have appeared numerous times in film and television, but she especially enjoys performing live.

Cleo Zani, of Providence, RI, as the Wizard
Cleo Zani moved to Cape Cod in 1981 after majoring in Performing Arts at Goddard College in Vermont. He has performed on stage and screen throughout New England. Most recently, he has appeared as The Mayor in “Inherit the Wind,” and as Lou in “Breaking Legs” for Ocean State Theatre Company and as Charlie ‘the Duck’ Clench in “One Man, Two Guvnors,” and as Ivor in “Rough Crossing” for Cape Repertory Theater.

Daniel Fontneau, of Cotuit as Uncle Henry/Guard
Daniel Fontneau is a local performer as well as a long-time employee of the Cotuit Center for the Arts, where he is currently the Marketing Manager. The Cape Cod Times called Daniel “a master of facial expression” for his 2018 performance in “Urinetown,” and he’s appeared in many other productions at theaters all over the Cape, including “Pirates of Penzance,” “Annie,” “Waiting for Godot,” “Cabaret,” “Death of a Salesman,” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

Jen Pitta, Public Relations Specialist
508.954.0160; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Music piece performed by the wicked witch in the wizard of oz

Throughout the performance, the wicked witch's voice resonates with an otherworldly quality. It is at once beautiful and terrifying, drawing the audience into her web of deceit and manipulation. The combination of her vocal talent, the haunting music, and the ominous lyrics makes for a truly captivating performance. The music piece performed by the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz is a highlight of the show, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. It serves as a reminder of the dark forces at work in the story and adds depth to the character of the wicked witch. Overall, it is an integral part of the production, bringing the world of Oz to life in a chilling and unforgettable way..

Reviews for "The Power of Music: Understanding the Role of the Wicked Witch's Melody in the Wizard of Oz"

1. John - 1 star:
I couldn't stand the music piece performed by the wicked witch in the wizard of oz. It was grating, screechy, and completely off-key. It felt like nails on a chalkboard, and I couldn't wait for it to end. The performance was just painful to listen to, and I couldn't understand why they chose such a terrible piece for the wicked witch. It definitely did not add anything positive to the overall production.
2. Sarah - 2 stars:
While I didn't outright hate the music piece performed by the wicked witch in the wizard of oz, I was not impressed either. It lacked depth, complexity, and genuine emotion. It felt like a generic, forgettable song that could have been performed by anyone. I was expecting something more haunting and captivating, but instead, I got a forgettable tune that failed to leave any impact. Overall, it was a disappointment and didn't enhance the wicked witch's character or the overall musical experience.
3. Michael - 2 stars:
The music piece performed by the wicked witch in the wizard of oz was a missed opportunity. It could have been a powerful and memorable moment, but it fell flat. The melody was repetitive and lacked any unique elements, making it blend in with the rest of the songs. The performance itself was average, and it failed to deliver the impact that such a villainous character deserved. While it wasn't terrible, it was forgettable and underwhelming, leaving me disappointed in the end.

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