Cherokee High School’s upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz is bringing students from across the school together to create a magical performance. With nearly 70 students performing on stage and about 10 working behind the scenes in the tech crew, the musical is one of the school’s biggest productions of the year.
While many audience members tend to focus on the main characters, Dr. Burns, the director of the show, explained that the ensemble is just as important to the story.
“You can’t have a show without an ensemble,” the director said. “Without munchkins and people in the background, you just have four people dancing and singing and no storyline.”
Rehearsals involve much more than simply practicing lines. The rehearsals involve actors reading from their script testing voices or tones, while the director, Dr. Burns, gives feedback on their performances. Alternate casts rehearse at the same time, since the show has been double cast due to the large amount of talent among the students. This means that each show will be unique in its own way.
“We have such talent on stage right now that we couldn’t even single cast it,” she said. “We had to double cast it.”
Students who attend the show may even see different lead actors depending on the performance, making each show a unique experience.
Behind the scenes, students work on many technical aspects of production. Members of the tech crew build sets using tools, paint scenery such as the yellow brick road, and create props for the show. Other students manage lighting, microphones, sound effects, and spotlights from the booth.
Preparing for the show takes an enormous effort and time. The director said she personally spent more than 70 hours at the school during winter break helping organize the production while students volunteered their break to help build and paint sets.
Costumes are another important part of production. Some costumes are rented from professional costume companies, but many are custom made for this show. Dorothy’s costumes are specially sewn and include three different outfits throughout the performance. Her classic checked dress has been made with bigger checks so the audience can see it better. Because there are two actors playing Dorothy, six costumes had to be created.
The director also explained that the Emerald City costumes were designed to have a extravagant style inspired by both The Wizard of Oz and the fashion of the Capitol people in the The Hunger Games.
Overall, this spring musical is going to be the best yet! Seeing the behind the curtain of this show made me realize the effort and time students put into making this show possible.
“I have the most talented and wonderful kids,” the director said. “They are worth coming to see.”
