It’s May 15th, and we were granted an audience with Her Majesty, Queen Ozma, who is visiting Kansas for this momentous occasion. Arrving in Chinatown, it’s not long before General Files brings us to see her…but alas, not all is what it seems.

For the last two and a half years, The Speakeasy Society has been unraveling their Game of Thrones-esque saga based on L. Frank Baum’s Land of Oz stories. We’ve all been enthralled with the stories its inhabitants, following every twist and turn along the way, rooting for the sides we feel are right.

Two weeks ago, we were privy to THE SLIPPERS, where Oscar Diggs, the former Wizard of Oz, brought us to meet Phil and Glinda. We learned that Phil, inhabited by the good half of Ozma, doesn’t need the magic slippers in order to use his magic. However, the very same slippers were stolen by the Lion, to who knows where. That is, until we learn in Chapter 9: THE STORM, which, due to time dilation, takes place on the very same evening as the events with Phil. Time works in weird ways you guys.

I really enjoy how these past few shows have been smaller, more intimate affairs. While there has not be a whole heck of a lot of action, there is a LOT of character development going on. The last two chapters especially have set the stage for a truly epic finale to determine the fate of Oz. Since this chapter is ONLY being staged this weekend, with no plans to remount before the final chapter, be forewarned that there are some spoilers ahead.

THE STORM brought us directly into the path of Ozma who is just that; a coming storm that aims to lay waste to everyone and everything in her path that dare to oppose her. However, over the course of the 30 or so minutes we spent in her audience, it’s clear that the lines are drawn in the sand, and that her sights are set on only one thing: taking over Kansas.

General Files, played with complex loyalty by Zan Headley, has his allegiance tested quite a bit over the course of this chapter. While blindly loyal to Her Majesty, doing whatever he can to please her, his foundation is shaken by the end, as he realizes how little he truly means to her. Headly, whose character was one of the first I met within this world way back way, plays this expertly. Watching this realization slowly dawn on him over the course of this show was fascinating to watch. Files is definitely a character to watch in the coming finale, as who knows what side of the conflict he will ultimately land on.

Jessica Rosilyn’s Lion returns again in this chapter. A clear fan-favorite, Rosilyn’s playing all sides of the conflict for her own financial gain is always a joy to watch, and that is no different here. However, the Lion is used to coming out ahead, always being a few steps in front of everyone else, and being the smartest person in the room. Maybe her hubris has finally caught up with her, as she was put in her place here by the Queen. Rosilyn had to play things a little differently this time out, not just being the carefree (and often hilarious) character we have gotten used to, but also having to act out the whims of the Queen against her own will. My heart broke watching her also realize how deep in trouble she actually is.

And that brings us to Her Majesty, Queen Ozma, as played with zest with Genevieve Gearhart. Ozma, showing off a bit of a baby bump this go-round, was delighted to dispel some rumors for us; yes, she was responsible for the deaths of The Scarecrow King, Dorothy, Jinjur, and so much more. She is essentially bragging about all her misdeeds here, and it chilled me to the core (along General Files, it seemed).

Watching Gearhart inhabit this role is akin to watching your favorite Disney villain chew up scenery as they sprout their diabolical plan. As much as I absolutely HATE Queen Ozma within the context of the show, Gearhart is so goddamn good as her. She may be evil (at least, to me), but she plays Ozma with such grace. There are plenty of times where she is so in the moment, telling you of her master plan, that you can’t help but feel “well, maybe she DOES have the right idea…” Of course, common decency and common sense prevail, reminding me how psychotic her plan actually is, but…well, this must be how dictators get so many people to follow them, no? This is a woman who is not afraid of doing whatever it takes to get what she wants. You have to admire that, and Gearhart, for it.

The stage has been set for a truly unforgettable and explosive finale. A battle of epic portions is on its way, and I cannot wait to see how it turns out. No matter what side of the conflict you are on, THE STORM really pulls no punches when it comes to the coming confrontation.

For more information on The Kansas Collection, and to learn when Chapter 10 arrives, be sure to visit The Speakeasy Society online at: speakeasysociety.com