Moorpark High School will present its production of Wizard of Oz in the MHS Performing Arts Center on March 29, 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m. on March 31.
This is the first year that an MHS musical production won’t be directed by long time drama teacher Steve Robertson, who retired last year after 44 years at the high school. The Wizard of Oz production will be a collaborative of teachers and outside specialists, pulling their experience and talents together to create a top notch show.
Producer Ray Hebel has taught choir and musical theatre at MHS for more than 20 years, and has worked on more than 25 school-wide musicals. Hebel has also enjoyed a long career as a professional singer. Spanish teacher Andrew De La Torre, a former building contractor who has also specialized in building movie and stage sets for 20th Century Fox, is serving as set designer, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the production. Alan Penner, who teaches computer design and coaches JV football, is handling all the sound and technical needs. He’s also implemented a state of the art multi-media backdrop in the performing arts center that will be used for the first time in the Wizard of Oz. Stage Director Noelle Marion, a former student of Hebel’s, has returned to MHS after graduating from Pepperdine University with a degree in Theatre Arts. Since graduating from Pepperdine, Marion has worked professionally throughout the United States in show business, most recently starring in Annie for the Cabrillo Music Theatre. Rounding out the collaboration is Laurel Marion, who used to be a parent volunteer when her daughter Noelle was an MHS student. She has an extensive background as a costume designer, having worked with the High Street Arts Center and Conejo Players. Mrs. Marion has designed some wonderful costumes for all the Wizard of Oz actors.
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The Wizard of Oz will feature great performances from some of Moorpark High School’s most talented vocalists, musicians and actors. Dorothy will be played by Jessica Bernardin and Carly Paul, Ryan Driscoll will be the Scarecrow, Matt Ferguson will be the Tin Man and William Eastland will be the Cowardly Lion. The Wicked Witch of the West will be played by Emily Gratke, and Melinda Weisberger will be Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
Show times will be 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 29 and 30 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 31. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door. Special shows will also be presented on Wednesday, March 28 at 9 a.m. for Mountain Meadows Elementary School and at 6:30 p.m. for Chaparral and Mesa Verde Middle School performing arts students.