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Oz is one of those shows you wished you loved more, it is by no means a bad show and I had a good time, but I would have enjoyed it more as a street performance. Jordan is a very talented magician and I spent a lot of the show trying to figure out how the magic works but I think it might just be magic!

Once the show actually starts, there is a clear through line of trying to find a brain, heart, and courage (as per the wizard of oz, with no affiliation to the movie of course, wink wink nod nod). This creates a nice narrative arc. The show does not mention that it includes audience participation, but it could not work without the help of audience members. However, they, at times, did not appear interested in participating. I wore Bose quiet comfort noise canceling headphones and used a tangle. I will mention that Jordan sells a couple of things at the end of the show by donation and that the proceeds go to organizations that help suicidal children in the places he visits. Which I really appreciate, however the brief mention of suicide at the end of a magic show that felt geared to children/families felt a bit jarring so just beware, (but keep up the good work). The show did also end about 15ish minutes early, but that's better than late. All in all I enjoyed my time, but I don’t need to see it again.

Light-hearted fun for the whole family!

“Oz” Review, by Andrea Noga (AYTC).

Step into the magical world of Oz (no legal relation) with playwright, director, designer, and actor Jordan Rooks. Joining us from Las Vegas, Rooks brings a fun, magic-filled show that little ones and grown-up ones will enjoy.

Oz is a Wizard of Oz magic parody show. Rooks steps into the role of the magical “Wizard”, a delightful wizard performing magic while explaining more of his personal background, and involving the audience in his many tricks. From the usual card plays, to more psychic centered tricks, Rooks performs a variety of magic tricks while also delivering an important message of acceptance and chasing your dreams.

Rooks’s show is heartwarming, light fun. The show is not excessively flashy, like you might expect out of a Vegas magic show, instead it is small, and focuses on the magician creating a good relationship with the audience. Audience members, especially the “Munchkins” as he calls them (younger audience members), are frequently called up to participate in the show, which goes off without any noticeable hitches. Some of the tricks you have likely seen before, however there were more than a few that inspired genuine awe.

The script is fun, and heartfelt, especially with a surprisingly touching ending. While some of the off-the-cuff remarks may feel a little hesitant, Rooks gets back into his groove when he’s back to delivering his tricks. The design is also minimal, however works for the show he has created. A few Oz decals remain onstage throughout, and there are mention to flying monkeys and a few members of Dorothy’s band. With some of the more impressive tricks in the show, you might begin to actually believe he is The Great Oz.

It is theatre for young audiences, so I will not deny the little ones might enjoy this one a bit more than us older munchkins. However, the show is still an accomplished magician delivering a sweet message. You will leave smiling, and wondering “How did he do that?”.