TOTO-LLY WONDERFUL; PANTAGES PRODUCTION OF `THE WIZARD OF OZ' CAMPY, COLORFUL.

Byline: Nancy Hewitt Staff Writer

Many film classics do not translate well to the stage. ``The Wizard of Oz,'' happily, is not one of them.

This ageless tale of a young girl who learns the true importance of family and home after being transported to a fairy-tale land over the rainbow, takes on an upbeat and spirited life on the stage.

``The Wizard of Oz'' is playing at the Pantages Theatre through July 4. This production is broader and campier than even L. Frank Baum could have imagined when he wrote his tale in 1900. Expect to laugh - and laugh and laugh and laugh!

Mickey Rooney, JoAnne Worley and cast have taken camp to a new level. Familiar scenes become fodder for their lively interpretations.

Worley is delightful as the Wicked Witch of the West. She's zany, funny and just a tad intimidating. Her exaggerated movements - such as when she tells Uncle Henry (Tom Urich) about Toto biting her - have the audience in stitches.

And Rooney zestfully plays three roles: Professor Marvel in Kansas, the doorman in Emerald City and, of course, the mysterious and powerful Wizard of Oz.

As the Wizard, he is just as intimidating as Frank Morgan is in the film. It is here that Rooney shines. Between the flashing lights and shooting sparks, and that booming voice echoing through a huge mask suspended in front of the curtain, it wasn't surprising to hear shrieks - but they weren't shrieks of fear. Kids and adults alike responded with shrieks of laughter and thunderous applause.

Accolades go to Francis Ruivivar, who takes the best mannerisms of Bert Lahr, the original Cowardly Lion, and updates this character's appeal with wit and panache. His lapses into an Elvis Presley impersonation, ``Thank you, thank you very much,'' and Austin Powers' ``Oh, behave'' have the right clout with today's audiences. And that high-pitched whine, especially after Dorothy (Jessica Grove) hits him on the face, is hysterical.

And dear Toto, played by Plenty, is a delightful dog that performs on cue and really seems to enjoy cavorting with his stage friends.

Young Grove has a beautiful voice, the kind that is sweet, full and rich, like that of her predecessor Judy Garland. She is credible as a young girl trying to find her way home.

Casey Cogan (The Scarecrow) and Dirk Lumbard (The Tinman) also have voices worth listening to. Lumbard's sentimental Tinman is a surprisingly good tap dancer.

Robert Johanson, who adapted and directed this stage production, left no doubt he was trying to re-create a classic. The production follows the film scene for scene but omits some of the details that will not translate well to the stage.

To re-create the scene of the four pals running through a field of poison poppies, 14 dancers, costumed in green, each sporting a huge red poppy headpiece and smaller poppy hand pieces, cavort on stage. It works - if you have a good imagination.

A little disappointing was Glinda's (Judy McCauley) entrance in the bubble. It wasn't a full bubble but a half one. But McCauley was a refreshing change from Billie Burke, whose warbling voice grated.

Engineering a believable cyclone on stage, complete with lightning, wind and a spinning house was done effortlessly by Ian O'Connor and crew for the opening scenes of the musical. Missing were the flying cow and the chicken coop but not Alvira Gulch pedaling away on her bicycle - then, before your very eyes - changing into a witch on a broomstick. All the flying sequences were ably done by Peter and Garry Foy.

The lush scenery by Michael Anania - including the yellow brick road, the backdrops and the stormy sky in Kansas - the colorful costumes by Gregg Barnes and the exuberant dance numbers by Jamie Rocco make you feel like you are in Oz.

The transition from Oz back to Kansas features flashes of images behind the house and snippets of dialogue from each of the characters. This whole transition allows the characters playing dual roles to change costumes without interrupting the flow of the production.

``The Wizard of Oz'' is destined to remain a classic - both on film and now on stage.

THE FACTS

The show: ``The Wizard of Oz.''

Starring: Mickey Rooney, JoAnne Worley, Jessica Grove, Casey Colgan, Dirk Lumbard, Francis Ruivivar, Judith McCauley, Tom Urich.

Where: Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood.

When: Through July 4. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. matinee June 30; no 5 p.m. performance July 4.

Tickets: $27, $44.50, $59.50 at the Pantages box office; through Ticketmaster: [phone]; or Ticketmaster Online: www.ticketmaster.com.

Our rating: Four Stars

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PHOTO Dirk Lumbard (Tinman), Jessica Grove (Dorothy), Casey Colgan (Scarecrow) and Francis Ruivivar (Cowardly Lion) co-star in ``The Wizard of Oz'' on stage.