Every dramatization of “The Wizard of Oz” seems to offer a pilgrimage to the Emerald City.
But “El Otro Oz,” the inspired and imaginative interpretation now playing at Atlantic Stage 2, introduces additional journeys that are ultimately more poignant and profound.
When I first saw this Latin-flavored retelling of L. Frank Baum’s tale two years ago, I was most impressed by its comic inventiveness.
More an admirer of Beyoncé than of merengue, the American-born Dora deeply resents her Mexican immigrant mother’s plans for a quinceañera, the traditional celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday.
After she reluctantly dons a voluminous pastel dress for the occasion, Dora wails, “I look like cotton candy!” (Stephanie Echevarria designed the vivid costumes.)
Persons:
Oz ”, El Otro, Frank Baum’s, “ El, ”, Oz, Melissa Crespo’s, Mando Alvarado, Tommy Newman, Newman, Jaime Lozano, Dora, Nya, Beyoncé, Dora wails, Stephanie Echevarria
Organizations:
Atlantic, Atlantic for, Atlantic Theater Company
Locations:
Emerald City, Chihuahua, Toquito, Oeste, Chicago, American