A Magical Extravaganza
November 24, 2009
Everyone knows the storyline of the Wizard of Oz: Dorothy and her unusual friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion go on a magical journey though a land called Oz. They fight the Wicked Witch of the West to make it to the Wizard and finally all get what they want…except the Wicked Witch of course.
This winter, Neuqua Valley High School will be presenting the Wizard of Oz with a contemporary twist. With new music, a few different character names, and the same entrancing storyline, The Wiz is sure to be a success.
Clearing up the confusion of whether The Wiz is a musical or a play, Aubrey Smith, the director of The Wiz, calls the play a show with singing but not a full fledge musical. The Wiz will not have all the songs originally found in the movie. Instead, it will highlight some of the most recognizable songs such as “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and “No Bad News.”
Along with the exciting music, a surprise guest will be coming to the winter play. Tight lipped about it, Smith hinted that just like every year there is a special guest who comes for the winter play and this year will be no different. Some guests from previous years are Angela Spivey and The Voices of Victory, Steven Beasley and Rev. Timothy White. All of these guests are recording artists who have topped the gospel charts. He implied that along with the incredible show sure to come, the guest coming this year is something to look forward to.
Contrary to the belief that The Wiz will be an all African American show, Smith assured the Echo that there would be no discrimination in the cast. Smith replied, “I cast the best person for the role…regardless of race.”
So be prepared to head on down the yellow brick road in January for the opening of The Wiz.
Gretchen Andsager, Staff Writer
