Follow the yellow brick road

Theatre students kicked off the year by auditioning for the “Wizard of Oz” Sept. 3, and now practices for the fall musical are underway. Opening night is scheduled for Dec. 5.

“It’s wonderful, and I’m incredibly excited,” sophomore Aaron Cortinas, who plays Professor Marvel in Oz said. “The highlight of my day is going to practice after school because it’s so fun and I’m surrounded by friends.”

Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors were all cast in the play. For some, like lead actresses Lacy Bond and Jessie Elliott, this will be their last high school musical.

“This will be the last time my best friend [Jessie] and I will sing together onstage. . . There’s something special about being in a musical in high school with people you know and hang out with. I know I’ll miss it,” Lacy said.

Although this will be Lacy and Jessie’s last musical, many new freshmen were cast roles in the play. For them, this is just the beginning.

“I’m looking forward to acting alongside seniors like Lacy and Jessie, but also working with new faces as well,” sophomore Mary Gray said. “I think there’s lots of incredible talent in the cast and crew this year.”

A non-human member will also be joining the cast this year. Ms. Brody’s dog will likely be playing Toto.

“I think the underclassmen will gain a lot of experience this year while working with experienced actors as well as an actual dog,” Aaron Cortinas said. “I have no doubt this play will be challenging, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end.”

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Actors:

Dorothy Gale: Jessie Elliott

Aunt Em/ Glinda: Lacy Bond

Uncle Henry: Adam Howell

Hunk/Scarecrow: Cameron Davis

Zeke/Lion: Justin Jones

Hickory/Tinman: Katie Moore

Ms. Gultch/Witch: Maggie Pierce

Professor Marvel: Aaron Cortinas

Wizard of Oz: Griffon James

Doorman: Nelson Bond