The Benjamin Logan High School auditorium is transformed into somewhere truly over the rainbow this weekend when more than 50 students from Benjamin Logan Middle School and High School bring the classic favorite tale of The Wizard of Oz to life.
Audiences can follow the musical cast members along on the yellow brick road led by Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on the way to the Emerald City and on their daring adventures to the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle.
Adding another treat to the colorful sets and elaborate dance numbers is a real live Toto as part of the cast, a Dorkie (Yorkshire Terrier/Dachshund mix) named Daisy.
The production is presented at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, March 17; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Limited tickets are still available for purchase online at the school district online box office, https://www.benjaminlogan.org.
Director Michael Dove said at Wednesday evening’s dress rehearsal – the first time the musical cast had live orchestra accompaniment – that everything was really clicking, after all of the cast’s dedicated practice since the early part of this year.
“We auditioned the first week of January, and have been working hard ever since then,” he said. “We are so excited to finally to bring ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to our community this weekend.”
In deciding upon the musical, Dove said they were looking for one well-suited for a large cast, and “this one just rose to the top.”
The canine actress spends a lot of her time riding contentedly along in a basket or being held by Dorothy, played by junior Hannah Phillips.
The pair also has a special bond, as they share a birthday that they marked just last month, Feb. 11, when Hannah turned 17 and Daisy turned 10.
“It’s a lot of fun having Daisy as part of the cast,” Hannah said Wednesday night.
The American Kennel Club member belongs to choreographer Marleen Godsey’s mother, Dottie Hampton of Tipp City, so Daisy has been staying with Godsey in recent weeks to attend rehearsals.
“It’s been a busy time for Daisy, but she really enjoys the kids,” Godsey said. “We love the bond she has with Dorothy, and it’s funny she also really likes the Wicked Witch and the flying monkey who captures her.”
The musical opens in Kansas with Dorothy and her Aunt Em, played by Lorali Klopfenstein, and Uncle Henry, played by Wyatt LeVan.
After the twister hits, Dorothy awakens in the Land of Oz, and is greeted by the Glinda the Good Witch, played by Greyson Wagoner, and the many munchkins, including the Munchkin Mayor, played by Kamryn Gilmore.
While following the yellow brick road, Dorothy soon meets Hunk/Scarecrow, played by Tyler Barnes; Hickory/Tinman, played by Luke Adams; and Zeke/Lion, played by Holden Zehner.
At the gates to the Emerald City, they are eventually admitted entrance by the Emerald City Guard, played by Alex Rogers, who leads them on a grand tour of the city, where they receive royal treatment.
Feeling rather intimidated upon meeting the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, played by Zander Thompson, the four characters humbly submit their requests to him. To their surprise, he says he will grant their wishes. However, they must take on a seemingly impossible task for him first – bring him the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Kate Hahn.
Other cast members include: Rylie Thomas, Witch’s General; Charley Hardman, Munchkin Herald/Poppy/Nikko the Head Flying Monkey; Jacey Koehler, Bre Allen, Hannah Larsen, Tree/Chorus Dancers; Ellie Heim, Crow 1/lead dancer; Savannah Pugh, Crow 2, lead dancer; Leina Brunson, Mackenzie Smith, Emily LeVan, Crow Dancers/Chorus Dancers; Natalie Chapman, Crow Dancer/Chorus Dancer/Oz Woman; Mason Welty, Winkie/Kansas ensemble.
In Munchkinland, characters include Micah Musser and Paxton Henry, Munchkin Tough Kids; Madison Watkins, Shealynne Schneider, Munchkin Teachers; Lilly Hyder, Munchkin Fiddler/Poppy/Flying Monkey; Avery Miller, Kaeleb Ostrander, Munchkin Father/Snowman/Winkie; Delaney Ratleff, Munchkin Coroner; Annabelle Bingham, Munchkin Barrister/Cyclone Gulch; Alayna Johnson, Munchkin Braggart; and Caitlyn Kirkpatrick, Nahla Payne, Munchkin Tots.
The Wizard of Oz chorus ensemble members include: Talena Kuhn, Haley Bradley, Jaydan Robinson, Autumn Jacques, Trina Smith and Junah Tingley.
Laykin Thomas is the stage manager, and stage crew members include Meghan Hume, Autumn Durflinger, Grace Frangis, Zoie Jeski, Ava Liles, Ash Faber, Kaydence Cox, Makenzie Sutherly.
Lights and sound are by Simon Bachus and Paul Gantt.
Students performing in the pit orchestra, led by director Myles Bowers, are: Ras-D Ahnutae, Izik Cox, Parker McGowan, Addison Murphy, Isaac Napier, Taavo Simovart, Bri Sliker, Sadie Staats, Ethan VanWinkle, Katherine Vickroy and Evan Wall.