Buffalo Grove High School is off to see the Wizard
Very few musicals have captured the hearts of all ages as “The Wizard of Oz.”
Buffalo Grove High School’s spring production of the classic tale, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg and book by John Kane, is based on L. Frank Baum’s book of the same title.
BGHS will present the adventures of Dorothy Gale and her ragtag band of companions as they travel to Emerald City Thursday through Saturday, April 19-21.
The curtain rises at 7 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a children’s matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The production features well-known songs, colorful costumes and scenery, and even a live terrier playing Toto.
Cast members are: Alyssa Gillespie as Dorothy; Paige Larkowski as Auntie Em; Milan Babic as Uncle Henry; Jessica Wolf as Glinda; Natalie Kozelka as Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gultch; Mack Logan as Zeke/Cowardly Lion; Brandon Sokol as Hickory/Tinman; Joe Caviani as Hunk/Scarecrow; and Bob Hussey as Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz.
Additional cast members are Dan Esquivel, Hallie Larkowski, Edgar Rodriguez, Skyler From, Mitchell Janca, Matt Perek, Jessie Brooks, Samantha DeMarco, Erin Logan, and Christina Melgar.
Toto is played by Lucy the terrier, owned by the family of a former BGHS theater student. The little dog has been working with the cast in daily rehearsals.
Seven 5-year-old children who are enrolled in the school’s on-site Little Bison Daycare will perform as Munchkins.
“There are also some fantastic dance numbers with featured ballet and tap dancers,” Wells added.
Working with Wells is co-director Lauren Stenzel. The vocal director is Debora Utley; Elizabeth Bennett is the orchestra director; Ed Moon, scenic designer and technical director; lighting and sound designer/assistant technical director is Ethan Goldspiel; Debbie Andres, costume and makeup coordinator; and Betsy Ludemann, house manager.
Tickets are $10; $5 at the Saturday matinee for children younger than 12. For details, call the main office during school hours at (847) 718-4000.