‘Wizard of Oz’ cast ready for weekend

VWHS Drama Club news

Whether playing a Munchkin, Wicked Witch, Dorothy, or a Winkie, the cast of the Van Wert High School Drama Club’s 2013 production of The Wizard of Oz is excited to bring all its hard work to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) stage for three performances April 18-20, starting at 7 p.m.

“We decided to do this show because it has such a magical appeal to many people,” said Chad Kraner, director and producer of the VWHS production. “The movie is so well-known and loved by many people of all ages.”

“This will be the second time (music director) Matt Alessandrini and I have directed this show, which also contributed to doing it at the NPAC,” Kraner added. “We wanted to do a show we knew we were familiar with, as we knew we would have our hands full with learning all the ropes with the NPAC stage. It requires backdrops, bigger set pieces, microphones and a vast array of lighting.”

This year’s cast includes 20 students from Van Wert Elementary School playing the parts of Munchkins, Flying Monkeys and Chicks. Third grader Mia Kelly said she and her sister, Harley Danylchuck, sang together to get ready for tryouts. Both sisters were cast in the play: Kelly as a chick and Danylchuck in the role of Dorothy.

“The best part about being in The Wizard of Oz is being in it with my sister, Harley,” Kelly said with a big smile. “The hardest part is staying on my knees for the entire time.”

Morella Mills, a senior at VWHS, said she loves being Glinda in the play. Mills is no stranger to the stage: this will be her 10th production at either Van Wert Civic Theatre or VWHS.

“The Wizard of Oz is special because I’ve watched it (the movie) so many times, and I get to wear a big poofy dress,” said Mills, who surprised cast members (especially the Munchkins) by going blond for the production. “I will never wear a wig again,” she laughed.

Mills added that she has a special relationship with the production’s youngest cast members she affectionately calls “my Munchkins.”

“It’s really fun; I love their enthusiasm,” she said. “It’s really cool when they see me in the hallway and they’re like ‘Hi, Glinda.’”

Cast members aren’t the only ones excited about the upcoming performances. Fourth grader Xander Scarpelli said his mom is probably more excited than him about his role as the Mayor of Munchkin City.

“My mom is the most excited because this is my first play,” Scarpelli said.  “She talks about it a lot. She tells everyone. I’m not saying I don’t like it, but sometimes it’s like okay.”

All of the excitement about The Wizard of Oz has led to what could be called “record” early ticket sales, Kraner told the cast at a recent rehearsal. Although, as of Friday, April 12, tickets are still available for each performance at the NPAC, which seats about 1,200.

For those lucky enough to see a performance, Kraner promises there will be some surprises, particularly with the Wicked Witch played by Ashlee Dowdy, a senior at VWHS.

“There will also be some really neat special effects, which will really add to the show,” Kraner said.  “My favorite part of the show is the Wicked Witch and her Winkies. It is a very funny part of the show.

“I am really amazed at the talent of the students,” he added. “They have been working hard to give a great show.”

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the NPAC ticket office or by calling 419.238.NPAC (6722).