Appearing in Community Little Theatre’s production of “The Wiz” are, from left, Phillip Warren as the Lion, Drew Masse as the Scarecrow, Glenn Atkins as the Tin Man, Tiffany Warren as Dorothy and Brie Butler as Glinda, the Good Witch of the South.

AUBURN — The magic starts within the first minutes of Act I of “The Wiz” as Community Little Theatre takes its audience on a tuneful and honestly affecting trip down the yellow brick road.

A large and exceptionally talented cast lights up the CLT stage in this retelling of Dorothy in the Land of Oz with an urban flavor. 

It’s colorful, humorous, lively and lots of fun, leading the audience along familiar story lines with delightfully unexpected twists that update the perennially popular movie.

Tiffany Warren portrays Dorothy with compassion and appeal. Her vocal skills shine in several key numbers, including “Home,” “Ease on Down the Road” and “Soon As I Get Home.”

The Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man maintain a wonderful blend of comedy and congeniality throughout the show, and each contributes large shares of hilarity and wit.

The audience meets Scarecrow, played by CLT veteran Drew Masse, when he is rescued from a dumpster. Scarecrow is featured with four crows in a number called “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday.”

Lion, played by Phillip Warren, is a favorite character as he draws courage from his cowardly nature. The role calls for lots of comic skill which Warren ably delivers in “I’m a Mean Ole Lion” and “Be a Lion,” a duet with Dorothy.

Glenn Atkins, who has been seen in several CLT shows, plays Tin Man. His first song, “Slide Some Oil To Me,” sets the urban tone of “The Wiz,” and he delivers a fine rendition of “What Would I Do If I Could Feel?”

Dorothy and her traveling companions make their way to the Emerald City, despite the hindrances of Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. Stefanie Lynn plays the witch with ample malevolence. A highlight of the show is her performance of “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.”

Chris L’Hommedieu is a hip Wiz who has an Elton John look with green lights on his glasses. He puts lots of pizzazz into the Wizard’s role and songs, which include “So, You Wanted To Meet the Wizard,” “Believe in Yourself” and “Y’All Got It?” L’Hommedieu, president of CLT, debuted on-stage last year in the role of Mickey in “Blood Brothers.”

Jacquelyn Mansfield, who was Stepsister Joy in CLT’s “Cinderella” last year, has brief but memorable comic spots as the Gatekeeper.

Lena Warren in the role of Aunti Em sets the very high standard that was definitely met by the entire cast. Her splendid voice is featured in the show’s opening song, “The Feeling We Once Had.” 

Megan Guynes, who also appeared in CLT’s “Cinderella,” shows more of her considerable comic talent as Addaperle, Good Witch of the North.

Brie Butler appears as Glinda, Good Witch of the South. The Gray-New Gloucester High School freshman puts a beautiful finishing touch on the show with her songs, “A Rested Body” and a reprise of “Believe in Yourself.”

Many children play Munchkins, flying monkeys, mice, crows, Winkies and citizens of Oz. Choreography of several ensemble numbers is very well done by co-choreographers Audrey Martin and Tiffany Warren.

“The Wiz” was a landmark Broadway blockbuster of the 1970s. It opened the door for lead performances by many African-American actors and singers on Broadway. The movie version starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

Director Nakesha “Kay” Myrick has dipped into the rich pool of talent among this community’s African-American residents who treat us to outstanding vocal and dramatic abilities. “The Wiz” is a delightful mingling of culture and age.

The 12-piece orchestra led by Paul G. Caron and Mitchell Clyde Thomas, special lighting effects, imaginative sets and good sound all combine for an excellent production.

Remaining shows

WHAT: “The Wiz”

WHO: Community Little Theatre

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-10; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11.

WHERE: Great Falls Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn

TICKETS: Call 783-0958 or visit www.laclt.com