The performing arts program at Niverville Middle School thrilled audiences with their version of The Wizard of Oz on March 22–23 at the Niverville Community Fellowship Church. The cast and crew have spent the last three months preparing for the performance with the help of directors Susan Simcoe, Caitlyn Arnould, and Kailyn Dunn.
More than 50 actors and backstage help were part of the production, with each pitching in to help craft a high-calibre performance.
The 90-minute musical was created as a “young performers” edition of the famous play, but it was recognizable as the original story most people already know and love.
A young girl named Dorothy is frustrated with her life in Kansas and gets whisked away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Here she meets a motley crew of creatures who join up with her, each searching for something unique to their characters.
Along the way to find the wizard who they believe can help, Dorothy and her new friends are aided by a good witch, and an evil witch tries to thwart them at every turn. In the end, they find the Wizard of Oz, who grants them each what they wanted all along.
Dorothy then returns home to Kansas with a new understanding that there is really no place like home.
The cast was in fine form. The character of Dorothy was played by Moxie St. Cyr, who charmed the audience with her lovely singing voice. Her companion, the dog Toto, may have been a stuffed animal in Kansas, but while in Oz the faithful (and funny) part was taken over by Norah Lux.
The Scarecrow, in search of a brain, was played by Alexis Eppert, while the Tin Man, in search of a heart, was played by Kyra Bird. Both girls proved to be excellent performers.
Next up is the Lion, in search of courage, a role that was handled by Ohita Dickson. Dickson gave a showstopping performance, making the most of his comedic lines and making them his own.
Glinda, the good witch, was portrayed by a regal-looking Clare Grantham. Her nemesis the Wicked Witch, played by the delightfully evil Jorel Doll.
Rounding out the main cast were Lexi Dyck as Auntie Em, Ruolin Zhang as Uncle Henry, Elise Schmidtke as Hunk, Cara Johnston as Hickory, Riker White as Zeke, Jonah Kipe as Professor Marvel, and Cooper Lavin as the Wizard of Oz.
The cast performed a dress rehearsal for their fellow middle schoolers on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a full show in the evening in front of a packed house of cheering, laughing audience members.
On Thursday, the kids’ matinee performance was seen by the children of Niverville Elementary School. On Thursday evening, they delivered their final show.
At the end of the final performance, a somewhat tearful Simcoe talked briefly about the hard work the entire cast and crew had put into the musical. She praised the camaraderie of the cast, which was evident both onstage and off, and said this was part of the reason she had decided to put on the show.
“One of the biggest benefits of performing arts is the sense of belonging, acceptance, and community,” Simcoe said. “The commitment and shared passion amongst performers creates confidence and instils value and worth. Furthermore, ‘practice makes progress’ is a motto in our music room. Watching all of these students blossom on stage is the most rewarding experience as an educator. Everyone shines when they are given the opportunity and encouragement to step out in courage to be their best! NMS is full of talent. We just gave them the stage!
Craig Cumming, principal of Niverville Middle School, also offered his heartfelt thanks and praise to all involved in the show.
“I would put this on par with any high school musical out there,” he said.
This got a huge cheer of agreement from the crowd.
Cumming also pondered whether The Wizard of Oz would mark the beginning of many great musical performances by students at the school. Given the quality of this show, one can only hope that it will.
