As the rain lightly sprinkled on the roof overhead, I entered Roble Studio Theatre, brushing the drops that had accumulated off my jacket, anxious to see what was promised to be a very entertaining preview of Stanford’s Blackstage production of “The Wiz,” Ken Harper’s 1975 musical rendition of Frank L. Baum’s take on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Walking by the cast as they received the usual pre-performance pep-talk, I caught the smiles on their faces and saw the gleam in their eyes, and I knew this was going to be a fun evening.

A voice over the loudspeaker began: “We’re starting in three minutes — you have three minutes.” The bleachers beneath me rumbled as the actors assumed their positions backstage. Actresses tested out their voices, giggles and whispers silenced and the anticipation that settles over the entire vicinity when a show is about to begin came over all those present. Places were called, and the music began.

What followed was nothing less than charming. With a brightly colored stage and wide array of eye-catching costumes, the Land of Oz as captured by co-directors Gabby Randle and Tracy Oliver is occupied by the most likable of characters. From the delightful Dorothy and her traipsing trio to the wicked and good witches of here and there, every actor onstage played his or her role well. Probably most appealing aspect of the production is the vocal talents of each of the actors. Every single song sung is done masterfully, with soul and feeling unmatched by some student productions.

Along with the fantastic vocal stylings is the incredible amount of energy and “umph” each character brought to the stage. Arguably, some brought more than others, but as a whole, the ensemble had a vibrant energy that is essential for an effective musical. The challenge of performing such a piece on a thrust stage was also met very well by the directors and the cast as, even sitting on the side of the audience, one has a dynamic view of the action onstage.

If you are looking for a show that will satisfy you needs for laughter, good-feelings and pleasant tunes, then I highly recommend you go and see “The Wiz”!

“The Wiz” opens Friday, Jan. 25th at 8 p.m. and runs through Sunday, Jan. 27th. Show times are as follows: 8 p.m. Jan. 25th, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 26th, and 7 p.m. on Jan. 27th.

The show will be performed at Roble Studio Theatre, located at 375 Santa Teresa Street, Stanford, CA. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BlackstageStanford.com, at the door, and at select times in White Plaza at Stanford. All tickets are general admission, $15 General, $10 with Stanford ID, $5 Children 13 and under.