The WHS production of the Wizard of Oz musical has been more involved than others before with the choreography, sets to be developed, costumes and the large cast size. Rehearsals have brought on long hours of hard work, determination and fun.
Performance dates are Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov 3 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door of each performance. $10 adults, $7 students, 3 and under free. There will also be a bake sale during intermission that will serve as concessions.
Students involved recognize the efforts of directors Deanna Schockmann and Katie Johnson for their efforts in making this production possible.
“I want to thank Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Shockman for the back-breaking efforts they’ve made in order for this show to happen. Where actors think about the show maybe three or four hours a day, they are thinking about it for twenty-three. Nevertheless, their everlasting patience, kindness, and strength never falters for a second, something I think any actor can take notes on. I love you two dearly, we love you dearly, and you’re the biggest part of why I’m in this show,” junior Aleah Minks (Wicked Witch) said.
Director Katie Johnson stresses the importance of supporting actors’ hard work and performance.
“I think people should come see this performance for a couple of reasons. First of all, any support of the arts keeps the arts alive in schools. These kids work hard and for a long period of time to put together an incredible performance for their school and their community with two chances to see it. And, secondly, I truly believe it is going to be really good. We have a large and talented cast of kids.”
The cast rehearses Mondays 9 am to Noon and Tuesday through Friday 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“These students have rehearsed 5 days a week for about 2.5 hours a day. As we get toward the end, that time will increase to 3 hour rehearsals.I just really encourage people to come see it. It should be a really fun and well-performed show,” Johnson said.
Rehearsals have brought anticipation for upcoming performances and talented voices.
“The musical has been the place I look forward to going to every night. All the best people are in it, and I love hearing all the lovely voices that get to shine. It’s overall one of my favorite parts of high school,” junior Chloey Brazel (Glinda the Good Witch) said.
While actors are still working on character development, Schockmann has full confidence it’ll all come together.
“We are still working on character development but I have full confidence it will come together as it always does. This has been a more involved production. There is a lot more choreography, a lot more sets to be developed and a lot more costumes, just because of the size of the cast.”
With the part of Dorothy, senior Kathryn Lomax admits it has been a struggle to get into character with their different personalities.
“I got the part of Dorothy and I’m not gonna lie, it’s kind of hard to get into her character because she’s so soft spoken and timid-like in the movie, and, in my opinion, I’m not exactly soft spoken and timid. So far, it’s been a struggle but everything is slowly coming together. I am a part of this because this choir has been the only thing I’ve ever really been excited about in all four years of high school and when you’re in the choir, you’re in the musical. Plus, I’d say I played a pretty good minstrel in the last one and that’s a big part of why I got the part,” senior Kathryn Lomax said.
It’s key for actors to learn their characters and mentally prepare themselves.
“Learn your character! It is so important to know how to play your character and think of the reactions they would have instead of yourself. While, yes, actors tend to bring out bits of themselves alive in their character it is important to know when to draw the line. It is also so important to remember to have fun, even if you mess up, improvise what you think your character would say. Just let it come naturally and keep the tempo. Mentally, I am always ready for a performance but physically I know that we still have a lot of work to do before we open those curtains. There are so many little details that aren’t thought of until we are at rehearsals trying to figure blocking, lines, and music. But I know that when all is said and done we will have an amazing performance,” junior Jovi Robertson (Auntie Em) said.
With this musical, it brings on lots of elements that require the cast to bring confidence to the stage.
“Wizard of Oz is a very tedious musical and has lots of elements that need to be worked on to come together nicely, but so far I think it’s coming along pretty good. Fake it till you make it even if you mess up, as long as you act confident no one will even notice, besides your castmates probably,” junior Serenity Miller (Tree) said.
The Wizard of Oz musical is based on the 1939 movie and the cast hopes they can do justice to such a time-honored classic.
“As we do the production I feel the original actors would feel really good seeing a younger generation bringing a masterpiece to life again like it was in 1939,”senior Dakoda Jenson (Uncle Henry and Guard To Oz) said.
Directors chose this musical to expand the opportunity to younger grades in hopes that it would expand on their love for the arts.
“We chose the Wizard of Oz for a couple of reasons. First of all, with any program, you need building years. This show allowed us to expand our cast to the younger grades and it is our hope that these students will enjoy the process of both theater and music and stick with it through the middle school and high school years. Also, it is just a really fun show with lots of character development potential. My favorite part of any directing I have ever done is working with kids. I love watching them develop and grow their characters which also, in turn, helps them develop themselves as people – their confidence and ability to stand in front of a crowd and present their ideas and their message,”Johnson said.
