LZ Middle School South stages ‘Wizard of Oz’
Click your heels! We’re not in Kansas anymore.
Lake Zurich Middle School South opened the musical “Wizard of Oz” Thursday, Nov. 17, with shows continuing Friday and Saturday. A cast and crew of 111 students — and a little dog, too, — recreate the classic 1939 MGM film on stage.
Dorothy, played by Jasmine Mirabelli, and her dog Toto (Moriah) find themselves mysteriously transported to the enchanted Land of Oz. With encouragement from Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (Kristen Freeman), and a chorus of grateful Munchkins, Dorothy follows the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the great and powerful Wizard of Oz (John Venetos).
Along the way she befriends a Scarecrow (Kaitlin Mitchell), the Tin Man (Sydney Mathis) and Cowardly Lion (Paige Savarese). Eventually, they find a heart, brains and courage as they defeat the Wicked Witch of the West (Mara Nasui).
Belatedly, Dorothy learns she always had the power to go home by simply clicking her ruby slippered heels together three times while repeating, “There’s no place like home.”
As Dorothy and her companions travel through the enchanted Land of Oz, they sing such memorable songs as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” “We’re off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” and “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead.”
Since August, Middle School South students, along with their teachers and volunteer parents, built sets, sewed costumes and rehearsed the musical.
Jacqui Heinemann, Middle School South’s drama teacher, directs the show with help from Musical Director Kelly Harper, Production Manager Jennifer Foreman, choreographers Kathy and Toni Mirabelli, stage crafter Brad Mundschenk, orchestra director Ron Polomchak and costumer Kim Warren.
Cast and crew members are excited to show off their technicolored costumes and special effects.
“It’s been like one big, happy family putting together a fun show like the ‘Wizard of Oz’,” said Kaitlin Mitchell.
“You get out what you put into the show,” added her sister, Allie Mitchell.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, in the school auditorium, 435 W. Cuba Road, Lake Zurich.
Tickets are $10; $8 for students/children. For details, email mssmusical@lz95.org.