– From left, Kaylee Lesmeister, Lauren McGibbon (as Dorothy), Aleena McLean and Ashley Hiibner (as the cowardly lion) rehearse a scene from Southern Okanagan Secondary School’s upcoming production of the “Wizard of Oz.” The show hits the stage at Frank Venables Theatre on April 10. Erin Christie photo
Alison Podmorow remembers the first time she directed a production of the “Wizard of Oz.” It’s hard to believe it was nearly 20 years ago that the popular drama teacher first brought the beloved musical to the stage of Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
To mark the grand opening of the Frank Venables Theatre, Podmorow said she felt it only appropriate to mark the occasion by returning to her theatrical roots and revive the musical.
“Right after the fire happened I thought the Wizard of Oz should be the first production we should do after we reopen,” she recalled.
“It seemed like the perfect choice for our first production in our beautiful new theatre. “It’s timeless. Just like our theatre,” Podmorow noted.
“And the story of finding out who you are and where you belong appeals to all ages.”
Adapted from the 1939 MGM film, which is based on the novel by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz chronicles the journey of Dorothy, a young farm girl who is transported to a land far away after a tornado hits her family home.
When Dorothy steps out of her door into the magical land of Oz and learns that her house landed on and killed the wicked witch of the East, Dorothy dons the dead witch’s ruby slippers and sets off down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, in a quest to find the all-powerful Wizard of Oz to help her get back home.
Along the way, she encounters a motley cast of munchkins, witches, a dancing scarecrow, a cowardly lion, a talking tin man and countless other characters, and eventually learns “there’s no place like home.”
Podmorow said staging such a large production has its challenges but it’s well worth it. The musical will be the largest and most lavish production yet undertaken by the SOSS drama department, with more than 30 cast and crew members, as well as dozens of community members and local organizations pitching in.
“The cast has been rehearsing for 18 hours a week outside of school, not to mention countless hours of set building and preparation. This has probably turned out to be more work than they imagined but everyone is really committed to putting on a great show,” she said.
Seventeen year-old Carmen Abellan said she has fond memories of watching the Wizard of Oz as a child.
“It’s always been one of my favourites,” she said.
Oz is the first high school production that Abellan has been involved in, as well as her first time playing a lead role. The Grade 12 student nabbed the role of the wicked witch of the West and said she couldn’t be happier.
“It’s fun to play the evil character. I think I got a great part,” she said.
Chiara Mason, 17, who will be playing the role of Galinda the Good, said she loves her role but the camaraderie of rehearsals, and being a part of the production has been the highlight for her.
“The hours are long, but we’re having fun. It’s a good way to meet students you might not otherwise meet because there are all different ages involved,” added Grade 12 student Declan McDonald, who will tackle the role of the wizard.
The production begins its three performance run on April 10 with the show playing nightly at 7 pm until April 12. There is also a matinee performance on April 12 at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale now at SOSS in the main office between 8 am and 4 pm.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
