Brandon Twp.- Off to see the wizard?
You can be at 7 p.m., Nov. 21 and 22 as ‘Wizard of Oz? takes the stage at the Brandon High School Performing Arts Center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
A cast of 30 will bring to life Director Cathy Ciesielski’s adaptation of Frank Baum’s beloved book, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,? in which Dorothy survives a tornado to end up in a magical land inhabited by Munchkins, flying monkeys, talking trees, and a scarecrow, tinman, and cowardly lion.
Ciesielski said she chose ‘Wizard of Oz? for the fall play because ‘Peter Pan? was such a hit last year.
‘It wasn’t that difficult to adapt because there is a lot of dialogue,? she said. ‘The narrator introduces parts like the tornado and the house falling that we’re not able to show… We wanted to stay true to the story and the movie people know.?
Although it is a play and not a musical, there are some of the well-known songs audiences love, including ‘Ding, dong, the Witch is Dead,? ‘Off to See the Wizard,? a short version of ‘If I Only had a Brain,? and, of course, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,? sung by Taylor Barton, a junior who plays Dorothy.
Barton was one of four girls who auditioned for the main role. Last year, she played ‘Nibs? in ‘Peter Pan.?
‘I thought it would be fun to try out for something bigger,? said Barton, who adds she never really sang before this year. ‘I like how (Dorothy) has good morals and she’s bothered more when her friends are hurt than when she’s hurt.?
Barton believes audiences will most enjoy the scarecrow, a funny role played by junior Jake DeVoogd.
‘I like that the scarecrow is flamboyant, weird and wobbly,? said DeVoogd. ‘He’s like me because I’m weird too, so it works out… I think kids will like it a lot because of the singing, dancing, and it’s upbeat. It’s more fun to go to a lighthearted play.?
The Wicked Witch of the West, played by junior Claire Pincumbe, brings a slight darkside to the family friendly play.
‘It’s fun to be evil,? Pincumbe said. ‘I have a cackle, and I get to be green, which is fun.?
Performances of ‘Wizard of Oz? begin at 7 p.m., Nov. 21 and 22, at the BHS PAC, 1025 S. Ortonville Road. Tickets are $5 adults and $4 for students and are sold at the door the night of each performance.