By Doreen Jung. Take an enchanted journey down the yellow brick road. Abbotsford Traditional Secondary students bring to life the beloved story of Dorothy and her friends as they meet unusual characters and encounter exciting adventures on their way to meet the Wizard of Oz.
Director and Production Coordinator, Grant Gasser has worked with the students of the Musical Theatre classes to present The Wizard of Oz as a musical production. He is very proud of the wonderful talent that has emerged from the cast and crew. “Because it is a musical, we have both the music and the drama,” says Gasser. “We have brought in a choreographer so we have some elaborate dances. This is the first year that we have had members of our own high school band perform the music and we are very excited to be able to do that.” Gasser recognizes the valuable experience of performing in a professional theatre. “The kids just love coming here. The technical crew members are students who are getting training on professional quality equipment. I am very proud that we can present the show at this theatre.”
The energy and excitement that infused the cast and crew was electrifying backstage. Beautiful costumes and colourful sets were ready to go. Sarah Stewart is one of the grade 12 students playing the role of Dorothy. Stewart’s own outgoing personality works very well in the role of Dorothy. “It’s been really fun,” observes Stewart. “Dorothy is airy and bubbly, but also strong and firm in what she believes in.” The role of Dorothy is also performed by Elizabeth Seaman, a grade 12 student in her 4th year of Musical Theatre. “It’s been really cool playing in a role of such a well-known character,” says Seaman, who revealed that the musical version of the play contains some surprises and differs from the familiar movie version.
Levi Dahl is in his second year of Musical Theatre and is one of the grade 12 students playing the Scarecrow.
“The Scarecrow is a little like me so I am having fun playing that role,” says Dahl. He also performs as an extra munchkin, a farmhand, and in the chorus. “It is kind of crazy getting ready but it all comes together,” he explains. “Everyone is committed to making it happen.”
Musical Director Janet Wade sums it up: “The students are excited and prepared. They can’t wait to get on stage and perform for everyone. We’ve been working since September in Musical Theatre and the culmination is this production.”
The Wizard of Oz
Presented by Abbotsford Traditional Secondary School
Abbotsford Arts Centre
Friday, January 18 and Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Tickets are $10/Adults, $5/students
For more information, call ATSS at 604-850-7029