Schools
'The Wizard of Oz' Translates to Today's Youth
Middle school production goes live this weekend.
The world is a far different place than when Victor Flemming directed a young Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Frank Morgan into cinematic history in 1939, with arguably one of the most popular movies of all time, "The Wizard of Oz."
On Friday night, the drama club will raise the curtain on its version of the classic based on the L. Frank Baum book, tossing in references to street lingo, text talk and even Lady Gaga.
The portrayal of the Cowardly Lion by seventh grader Jenna Venafra must have Bert Lahr, the original frightened feline, smiling down from above. She perfectly captures Lahr’s voice inflections and mannerisms.
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The sets and costumes have been built, refined and recomposed by an army of volunteers, parents and teachers who since December have spend hundreds of hours getting the production ready for prime time.
Eighth grader Justin Sansone has followed up his role as the whimsical chocolate maker in last year’s production of "Willy Wonka" with a mesmerizing embodiment of the Wizard, of the order of E. Pluribus Unum.
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Audiences will be captivated by eighth grader Lauren Wrzesniewski, whose smile and energy as Dorothy will have you clicking your heels along with her as she searches for a way to get back to Kansas from the land of Oz.
As in the big screen classic, the opening scenes are done in black and white, followed by a tantalizing burst of color as the audience is mystically transported to Munchkin land. There is even a black dog named Max as the pre-Oz Toto.
The dance routine in the enchanted forest by the jitterbugs, as the quartet makes their way to the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle, was absolutely awesome and the choreography was assisted by captains Maria Carroll, Stephanie Hedin and Jean Fiore, who also act as coaches for all of the dance numbers through out the play.
The shows will be held at the Spahr Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m.
Check out our photo gallery and videos from all of the lead cast members and pet trainer, as well as a behind-the-scenes look.
Editor's note: This article has been changed. Stephanie Hedin has been added to the list of captains, and Cowardly Lion actress Jenna Venafra is in seventh grade.
