Jasmine Martinez, Clementine DiMorente, Canyon Carter and Connor Finley are pictured during rehearsal. Photos by Amanda White
Drama students at Mariposa County High School are “off to see the Wizard” as they prepare for the spring production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition by Frank Baum with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg.
Performances will take place MCHS on May 1 at 7 p.m., May 2 at 7 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, kids and seniors.
Tickets can be purchased from any drama student or online at www.gofan.com
“It’s my first musical I’ve done,” said Director Kate Hall.
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is a condensed, one-hour adaptation of the 1939 film, specially designed for youth performers.
It follows the beloved classic characters Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West.
With this being Hall’s first attempt at producing a musical, the group has opted for a longer rehearsal time of about 11 weeks instead of the normal seven.
Rosie Neogy perfects her cackle as the Wicked Witch. Also pictured are Mia Winsor, Aelah Brum and Jane Adcock.
“We have a vocal director (Zoey Rowell) so we’re working heavily on vocals and choreography,” Hall explained.
“It’s added a whole new element.”
The cast includes Clementine DiMorente as Dorothy, Connor Finley as Zeke (Lion), Harmony Buckner as Hickory (Tin Man), Jasmine Martinez as Hunk (Scarecrow), Everly Johnson as Glinda, Henry Lower as Professor Marvel (Wizard), Rosie Neogy as Miss Gulch (Wicked Witch of the West), Mia Winsor as Aunt Em and Kelsea Coder as Uncle Henry.
Many of the cast members have multiple roles including Parker Quiggins, Jane Adcock, Carter
Canyon, James Turpin, Aelah Brum, Evelyn Carter, Phoebe Davis and Natalie Keyes.
A production isn’t possible without the crew, which includes Owen Eastwood, Khloe Reynolds, Karessa Ruisaib-Smith, Maggie Tafoya, Tamzen McCollom, Gray Rule, Zander Standen, Gianna Marks and Ginger Jensen.
The freshmen this year are special group who have raised the bar.
Harmony Buckner, Jasmine Martinez and Clementine DiMorente practice their choreography during rehearsal.
“We got really lucky with our incoming freshmen this year,” Hall said.
“They came in knowing and this is the next level for them after getting their feet wet with Robinhood. We can do more when they come in with the basics.”
Costumes are coming together and the group is partnering with the Mariposa Arts Council for the first time to set the scene.
“We’re working with the Arts Council for the first time thanks to the Prop 28 grant,” said Hall.
Prop 28 funds help to fund arts and music education in TK-12 public and charter schools with a focus on expanding access to dance, theater, music and visual/media arts.
“A lot of students love to do theater art but don’t necessarily want to be on stage,” continued Hall.
“This is a really fun opportunity for them to work with teaching artists Abby Miller and Derek Huele from the Arts Council.”
The Arts Council is working with the crew to bring the sets to life.
Zoey Rowell (right) works with students on vocals and choreography.
“For the big wizard head they’ve decided they’re going to create a giant paper mache head,” said Hall.
“This piece is going to be worn by an actor on stage for the illusion of this big, giant scary guy.”
Many of the actors and actresses are doing a musical for the first time.
“I’m a little nervous,” said Aeylah Brum, who is playing multiple roles (Winkie Guard, Coroner (Munchkin), Jitterbug and a cow.)
“I’m really excited to be a part of this, it’s such a vibrant community.”
This is the second musical for Lower, who is playing the part of Professor Marvel (Wizard).
“The only thing I’m nervous about is that it’s the first musical under Ms. Hall and it’s a new experience for all of us,” said Lower.
“My favorite part is how we’re a community and I know we’ll rely on each other to make sure the play goes as smoothly as possible.”
As students make their way down the yellow brick road, it will be an experience to remember every step of the way.
“We’re all learning how to do this together but I feel like these kids are ready to go,” said Hall.
“The kids are teaching me a lot this year with it being a musical and we’re excited to see how things turn out.”
The play debuts at MCHS on May 1 at 7 p.m, with a second show on May 2 at 7 p.m.
The show wraps on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, kids and seniors.
Tickets can be purchased from any drama student or online at www.gofan.com
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