Noonan Students to Perform 'The Wizard of Oz'

The stage is just about set and the lights are almost lit for Noonan Elementary Academy’s spring Drama Club performance, which will be the classic “The Wizard of Oz”.

“I look at the cast from the previous year – what are their strengths and what show would work for that?”, said Drama Director Marta Koonce.

The students will play the iconic characters of Dorothy, Toto, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Glinda, and the Wicked Witch in a performance that rivals local high school productions.

Sarah Ronspies, of New Lenox and attending Lincoln-Way West next year, will play Dorothy, said she enjoys the character because “I get to be a character that is sort of like a dreamer and it gives me more acting freedom. It’s a complete switch from my role as Wednesday Addams in ‘The Addams Family’ from last year.

Mark Simon, of Frankfort and attending Lincoln-Way East next year, will play Scarecrow/Hunk, said that he can identify with his character. “He’s smart! I’m emulating my character by going for the *Excelsior Award at Noonan. Last year’s performance of ‘The Addams Family’ gave me more experience to close the show weekend out this year.”
(* The Excelsior Award is given to those graduates who have maintained an A, 93% or higher, in all their classes from 5th-8th grades)

Tate Littlefield, of Frankfort and attending Lincoln-Way East next year, will play Lion/Zeke, shared that he thinks “the Lion is opposite of who I am. ‘The Addams Family’ last year gave me the experience that I need this year to close out the weekend. I want to give the spectators the greatest show that they will ever see at Noonan. It’s been a lot of work to get here”.

With opening night scheduled for Friday at 7pm, all of the student performers said that they have a lot of fun in the Drama Club and cannot wait to take the stage with all their excitement and energy. Plus, there is a connection that many of the Drama Club members share: Many of their siblings have been a part of past performances at Noonan.

“It’s like a tradition here at Noonan”, Koonce said. “I’m very happy that the same families come back. They are great, and they support the program so much”.

Show times for “The Wizard of Oz” are at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22nd; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23rd; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24th at the Noonan Elementary Academy Junior High building, 19101 Henry Drive in Mokena.

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by contacting belli.simon@gmail.com. Pre-purchased tickets will be held at the door for pick up the day of the performance. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door for all four performances.

Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Scholarships are available; please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information. www.noonanacademy.org