Dorothy, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and the Wicked Witch of the West will cross paths in Vanderhoof this month.
Presented by Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre, The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers’ Edition will be showcased in Nechako Valley Secondary’s Integris Community Theatre over the upcoming two weekends.
This year’s production is more technical than previous years, with much more sets and props as the story takes the audience from Kansas to different regions in the Land of Oz, said Richard Wruth of Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre.
From the youngest cast member who just turned seven to the oldest at 17 years old, the 54-kid show features many new young actors, each playing a role through two casts. Students will design the show’s choreography as well.
Grade 12 student Bailey Burg, playing Wicked Witch of the West, has been taking part in Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre productions since Grade 2.
“I haven’t done Wizard of Oz before,” Burg said. “This is one of my favourite plays and I like the choreography for Jitterbug.
Her favourite scene is when she melts, and the hardest part is mastering her wicked laugh, she said.
“I like being a witch and mean, as I usually play a nice character.”