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WKHS presents: The Wizard of Oz By: Cameron Dewey

This February, the WKHS theatre presented The Wizard of Oz. Lasting three hours including intermission, and consisting of nine scenes, the third play of theatre season proved a success. The cast featured a range of experienced and inexperienced actors, who share their experiences. According to cast, the production proved difficult, yet worth the work.

Pictured at left is the program from the show.

The title selection of The Wizard of Oz was strategically chosen by Holly Thompson, Theatre Director, as she states, "I chose this play because it was the best way to challenge the students involved (both on stage and back stage) and help their performing and technical skills grow"

Though Thompson selected the title in order to challenge the actors, Senior Ava Gilley, says, "I think it was a super fun choice especially for the kids to come and enjoy." Gilley acted as Glenda, the good witch, and Aunty Em.

During the show, children proved visibly interested, able to be seen peering into the pit orchestra or glancing at the cast in admiration.

The pit orchestra is photographed at right.

Students and their director discuss the effort required for the production, as Thompson recalls, "People don't realize students are rehearsing, building, setting up technology, learning music, practicing instruments easily for three hours a day after school for 10-12 weeks"

As the group approached opening night, rehearsals picked up, lasting four hours after school. The intense schedule lasted for about two weeks without rest.

Thompson continues, saying, "This doesn't count the amount of time people spent learning lines and working music on their own."

Audience members are pictured during the intermission.

Nearly all of the lead roles went to Seniors and Juniors, as Gilley recollected, "Seniors have priority for leads because they are the most experienced, then the juniors, and so on"

James Tolbert was casted as the Wizard of Oz. Despite being a freshman with a leading role, Tolbert mentions, "we work really hard and they [the Seniors] treated us as equals and it wasn't really about age"

Featured at left is a station for audience members to purchase a note to be delivered to a cast member.

Despite the effort required, students had an enjoyable time on stage and behind the scenes. Gilley recalls, "dress rehearsals are super fun. . . it's a really good time to hang out with everyone"

Staff, cast, and crew, agree on the lively bonding moments they shared together, as freshman James Tolbert builds on the topic. Upon being asked about his favorite experience, Tolbert states, "I'd say there is a lot of backstage antics"

Combining the numbers from both performances, the total ticket amount added to 920. Tolbert recollects, stating, "I didn't have my glasses on, so I couldn't really see, but from what I've heard, it was really good. . . a few years ago, they did Mary Poppins and it was like their biggest show they've ever done."

Thompson recalls only one more successful show, saying "We've only sold more than that once before and that was more than 20 years ago, so I'd say the turnout was great"

Gilley builds on Thomas' statement, saying, "The turnout was honestly more than I expected so I was super pleased"

On April 28th, 29th, and 30th, WKHS theatre will be presenting You're a Good Man Charlie Brown in the Black Box theater, which provides another opportunity for parents, staff, and students to support.