There’s no place like home, but there’s also no place like the stage of Little Falls Community High School’s upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz.” The timeless story of a girl from Kansas being whisked away to the magical Land of Oz is brought to life through an imaginative set, enchanting music and an enthusiastic cast.
The week before tech week, many members of the cast are already in their costumes, most lines are memorized and, for the first time, actors use a fly system that pulls them into the air. The Wicked Witch of the West flies across the stage on her broomstick, Dorothy is pulled up by the twister while riding her bicycle and Glinda the Good Witch descends from the sky in her bubble.
The Little Falls Community High School theater department is preparing for its upcoming musical production of “The Wizard of Oz” under the direction of teacher Camilla Larson. This classic tale is bringing students from grades 2 through 12 together for an ambitious staging that will truly transport audiences to the Land of Oz.
Dorothy’s actor, senior Isabelle Segler, has been involved in theater throughout high school and is excited for her biggest role yet. She sees herself as similar to Dorothy in her determination but notes the fun challenge of portraying a character younger than herself. Segler also shared some of the funny mistakes that have occurred during rehearsals when lines are mixed up or said incorrectly, completely changing the context of scenes.
This production is unique in that it involves students from throughout Little Falls, including Lincoln, Lindbergh and Dr. Knight elementary schools, the Little Falls Middle School and High School and the Mary of Lourdes Elementary and Middle School. Larson explained that around half of the large cast of 60 students are in elementary and middle school. She chose “The Wizard of Oz” both to celebrate her 20th year directing and to highlight her Kansas roots, finding the story’s themes of home as ever relevant.
A major technical achievement for this show is the use of a fly system to bring scenes such as the Wicked Witch flying on her broomstick to life. Larson praised the On the Fly Productions company that helped install the system and train students.
Several teachers are also assisting to operate the intricate flying elements during performances. As this will be her final performance with Little Fall Community High School before graduation, Segler said she will be sad to say goodbye to the castmates and teachers who she had worked with for the past four years, but the musical’s message of there being “no place like home” was a perfect reflection of her feelings about carrying one’s home wherever one goes.
“I just think it’s such a reminder that the people around you really make up your home. It’s not a building. It’s the people who you’re with. I’ve learned that through my four years in theater in high school, my castmates are my home. The people around you and the people you surround yourself with are so special, and it’s just so important to appreciate that,” Segler said. “I am so excited to have this special place in my heart forever. I’m never gonna forget the memories I’ve had here, all of those moments that have made me who I am and how much I’ve grown here, and I’ll never forget that. I’m just so excited for the students coming after me to just have that place, and just have that home here with them forever.”
Audiences are in for a real treat as this musical incorporates singing, dancing and acting from a diverse cast. While some students are theater veterans, others are trying it for the first time. Larson noted students have really grown in their abilities throughout rehearsals. With costumes and a full technical production coming together, “The Wizard of Oz” is sure to be a magical experience for all when it takes the stage.
Little Falls Community Public Schools’ production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs from Thursday, May 2 through Friday, May 4, with performances starting at 7 p.m. each night at the Little Falls Community High School Charles D. Martin Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. They can be purchased at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/41510?.
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