Aunt Em (Erica Pikard) and Almira Gulch (Kamaris Desroches) during a scene from Southwick High School’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz” (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
SOUTHWICK – The Drama Club at Southwick Regional High School is gearing up to perform a Wizard of Oz musical this weekend. The opening performance will be Friday at 7 p.m. with the others taking place Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., followed by the final show on Sunday at 1 p.m. All shows take place in the auditorium of the school.
A musical based on the 1939 film, the Wizard of Oz is very popular and the students are excited to be a part of a stage rendition. Stephanie Marcil, a sophomore doing her sixth show with the drama club, is playing the role of Dorothy and has spent a lot of time running by her lines and watching clips of Judy Garland’s role as Dorothy in the film.
“I’ve tried to imitate her because it’s an iconic role that everyone loves,” said Marcil.
Darby Ryan, a senior in the club, is playing multiple characters, being a crow and also an Ozian, which is from the Emerald City. Ryan is looking forward to performing in the musical and showing the audience the differences in the staged musical than in the film. For instance, Ryan pointed out the scene where Dorothy gets taken away by the witch.
“It’s a little different on stage than it would be in the movies,” said Ryan.
Dorothy (Stephanie Marcil), the Scarecrow (Kyle Cahill), the Tin Man (Chris Fontaine) and the Cowardly Lion (Anthony Mora) from the Southwick High School Performing Arts Department are “Off to see the Wizard” (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
It’s not just the characters in the musical that will make the show intriguing, there will be plenty of choreography with singing and dancing involved and special effects. Kamryn McCorison, who is a ninth grader, is the stage manager. She’s in charge of the special effects and everything else that goes on to make the show function.
“It’s a cool show,” said McCorison.
Although sophomore Tucker Costello is playing the role of the Munchkin Mayor, he’s also helping with the costumes and props. It’s a responsibility that Costello really enjoys as he designs costumes and props in his free time.
“It’s just enjoyable for me to do,” said Costello. “You get to put your mind to work.”
Adding to the students’ excitement to perform the musical, the staff who are behind this production are just as eager to see the show come to light.
An English teacher at the school, Janet Grunwald is a producer for the drama club.
“I love teaching the kids and watching them teach each other,” said Grunwald.
The cast and crew of Southwick High School’s Performing Arts Department production of “Wizard of Oz” (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
Peter Follet, who is the Director of the Drama Club, is proud of his student’s work and wants to see them get rewarded by having a strong showing of support from the community.
“I want a packed house,” said Follet. “It’s fun for a performer and it’s just fun for the whole program when you have so many people.”
In order to attend the show, tickets can be purchased by going on the Wizard of Oz website or buying them at the door. General admission tickets cost $14 and $10 for students and senior citizens.
