Performing arts students at McCoy High School rehearse the Wizard of Oz ahead of bringing the classic tale to stage next week for six performances.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The classic tale of a farm girl and her dog swept away by tornado to a strange and magical land hits the stage next week, as performing arts students at Monsignor McCoy High School ready six performances of the The Wizard of Oz.
Cast and crew have been busy working on the play since June, honing their roles and choreography over the summer. The production is entirely student-run as they handle the technical aspects like sounds, lights, building the set and designing the choreography.
The Wizard of Oz, originally released 84 years ago in 1939, was chosen for its inclusivity and its overall theme centred around home, friendship and family.
“We want to make sure we have a show that everyone is welcome to come to, something that families can join in, and our whole school division from kindergarten up can come to the show,” says drama teacher Nicole Shupe. “The message is amazing, that idea that all the things we need, we already have in us.”
Student stage manager Hannah Maser says her fellow classmates hit the floor running as a full group in September and have been busy rehearsing, building sets, assembling costumes and props and perfecting dance routines.
“I kind of feel like it’s the best opportunity I’ve had in high school, and probably my life to this point, ” said Maser, a senior. “Being able to be part of such a great team of people, where I’m able to work on art and create something that brings joy to so many people, it’s just something that inspires me.”
Maser explains that as stage manager she is able to extend that joy to her classmates as well.
“I like to be able to help people learn and help them reach their full potential,” she said.
As the story goes, on her way down the yellow brick road toward Emerald City, Dorothy meets three new friends along her journey, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow.
“Well, the Scarecrow is pretty humorous, and I like to play the comedic roles and be a comedic relief for the overall musical.” said Grade 12 actor Grace Adcock, joking about the benefits of her character’s quirks. “And the Scarecrow is also clumsy, and I’m not the best at dancing, so I can get away with not being the best at the choreography.”
Adcock told the News she’s worked on different comedic timing for different lines, and even practised a southern accent during her summer vacation to prepare for the role.
“I think it’s so much more fulfilling,” she says. “Seeing different comedic things that I have suggested and seeing people laugh at them.”
Wearing the magical ruby slippers that will eventually take her back home, Grade 12 student Madison Cox is starring as Dorothy, as well as being the production’s lead choreographer. Cox shared her inspiration for taking on the iconic role.
“Her idea of family and home, because home is everything to me, and my family is everything to me and my friends. So it’s definitely a role that I connect to.”
The role does present some unique challenges, she admits.
“Dorothy goes through so much anger and confusion,” says Cox. “So it was definitely a more challenging role, but being able to work with these people who support me and support my ideas and my struggles and my triumphs, it’s so much easier to adapt to this very challenging role.”
Aside from learning lines for the leading role, Cox spent time this summer watching a number of adaptations of The Wizard of Oz to find inspiration for the McCoy production’s dance routines, including three ensembles featuring the entire cast.
“Working with such a talented cast and crew makes it much easier,” Cox says.
Performances of The Wizard of Oz begin Wednesday, Dec. 11, running to Dec. 13, with two shows each day, matinees for local students and evening shows open to the public.
Tickets are on sale for $20 each and can be purchased at the door. Evening show times at the Medicine Hat College Eresman Theatre begin at 7 p.m.
