Second Musical in 35 Years Debuts at Johnston High School

Johnston theater patrons will take a trip down the yellow brick road starting Friday.

The spring musical Wizard of Oz debuts Friday for a four-show run.

The production is just the second musical performed at Johnston High School in 35 years, said Eric Shepard, musical director.

"Last year we did The Music Man," he said. "We did three shows last year, but with the interest we added the fourth show this year. The community seems very excited about it."

Indeed it does, the outpouring of support from the community has allowed for professional looking sets - equipped with effects, elaborate costumes and a stellar cast.

"We had about 140 students audition for 20 Munchkin spots," Shepard said, the munchkins are played by students 6 years old to seniors. "We had so many kids audition so we double cast. There was just an overwhelming number of interested folks."

The interest wasn't just from the community, Johnston High School students showed up in droves to participate in the musical, allowing Shepard to double cast several parts, including Dorothy.

Dorothy Lands in Johnston

Emma Henry, senior, and Melia Black, junior, will split duties for the lead character.

Melia will take the stage for the Friday night and Saturday matinee shows, while Emma takes on the role Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

"It's really nice to have two shows for each of us," Emma said. "I think it's fun."

Melia said the musical shows off the talent of students in the community, but also of the parents.

"A lot of parents put in lots and lots of time on the set and costumes," she said.

Shepard said the musical has brought together several departments in the school.

"This truly showcased the community's talents and gifts," he said.

Two fathers have stepped up for the technical aspects of the show, while several moms have created the costumes.

The family and consumer science class will feed the cast this year, while art and construction students helped with sets.

The shows poster was designed by a student, as well.

"The idea is that it's a collaborative effort to have the whole school take part," he said.

As for the musical itself, it's still the classic tale of Dorothy and her adventures in Oz. But there were some subtle changes, Shepard said.

"The show is about believing in yourself," he said. "Since we know the story we tried to take any special effect things and make them tech-savvy.

"All of our costumes are avant garde, we pushed the envelope. We tried to make some of the vocabulary contemporary, things have changed since the 1930s."

Tickets go on sale today for the Wizard of Oz performance at .

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the JHS Accounting Office from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Tickets will also be available 30 minutes prior to each show.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 22.