Pictures from a dress rehearsal of Alexandra NEWS PHOTO ANNA SMITH
Middle School’s production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Alexandra Middle School is not in Kansas anymore, with the opening night for their production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz fast approaching.
The production was selected as something of a tribute, said Director Shelby Benedetto, who explained it was a favourite story of a friend who had recently passed.
With the opening night on Jan. 31, the students feel varying levels of prepared, but they are all in agreement that the process since auditions last fall has been an exciting experience.
“I’m definitely nervous, but we’ve done a lot of practise, so I feel like we got this in the bag,” said Anneke Stuut, who plays the role of the China Princess for the production.
The show has taken something of a “steampunk” bent, said Benedetto, adding a new angle to the highly comedic play. Though the students add there are still plenty of laughs for those who are attending.
Over the course of rehearsals, said stage manager and student Peyton Eckhardt, they’ve formed lasting friendships, through the various “bloopers” that happen during practise, the work of getting all of the demanding technical queues and lines right and all the effort of putting on the best possible show.
With various levels of experience in theatre under their belts, said Michael Yard, who plays the titular Wizard of Oz, they’ve all been able to help each other and grow as a cast together.
All three students insisted their director was one of the best parts of the show.
“I feel like a lot of people’s actual personalities really shine through in the characters,” said Stuut. “I love that [Ms. Benedetto] casted everyone not only based off of looks, but off of personalities as well, because everyone fits their character so well.”
“Expect greatness,” added Eckhardt.
Tickets are still available for the Jan. 31 night, as well as Feb. 1, 7 and 8, available either on School Cash Online or at the door for $15.
