EXTRA! EXTRA!
The Barker Central School rendition of this musical version of the “Wizard of Oz” was a smash hit for its opening performance on Friday March 30th. The audience was awed by all facets of the production. It was amazing to see the talent pulled together from such a small school district. Barker should be very proud of their students, the staff and the parents that put on this production.
A large percentage of the High School was included in the production along with a large number of 4th graders who played the Munchkins of OZ. The performance had not only great voices but a great touch of humor combined with great acting.
Some school performances can have dead reading of the memorized lines but all performed well, actually acting their lines and playing their characters for the entire audience to see, hear and truly enjoy.
Aunty Em, played by Michelle Cain, started the performance off with a chuckle from the audience as she called out in a great “Aunty Em” Kansas voice - “Dorrr! THYY !, Dorrr thyyy !”.
Dorothy was played by Anna Atwater. She played the innocent and dreamy eyed girl from Kansas very well. Her voice was both stunning and angelic as she sang the opening song – Over the Rainbow.
After the twister sends Dorothy’s house to OZ, we get to see more of the great costumes and colorful backdrops produced by crew, staff and parents.
Over 30 Barker 4th graders were in full Munchkin costumes. The entire group of Munchkins spoke their parts well, hit their marks and followed their choreographed routines. The three with the most lines were: the Farmer Lady played by Kelsey Blackley; the Mayor played by Sean Benoit and the Farmer Man played by Christopher Sweeney. The Farmer Man had some great comedy lines that he threw in here and there. The Mayor played the politician very well and The Farmer lady with her straw hat and yellow hair stood out not because of her colorful sunflowers but because of her excellent stage presence. Kelsey Blackley’s face simply danced as she delivered her lines. Many other adults noticed her as well and commented during intermission.
The Sorceress of the North was played by Sara Luce. She wore a stunning gown which was an original design and creation of Mr. Patrick Liuzzi. After the Sorceress, we had the introduction of the Wicked Witch of the West played by Chelsey Wilson, who had the Witch’s cackle down to a tee.
The Musical and the characters continued to get even better as Dorothy met the Scarecrow, played by Jon Upton. Jon had great comedic moves as the scarecrow tried to find his footing. Jon looked like he was made of rubber bands as he tried to stand and move for the first time. The Scarecrow sang, danced and fell during his opening song, “If I Only had a Brain” with great stage presence and timing.
The two then came across the Tinman played by Andrew Upton who also had a great costume and the great talent to fill it as he sang, “If I Only had a Heart”. As they continue on and pass through the Great Forest they meet up with the cowardly Lion played by Andrew Johnson. Andrew plays the large “scaredy cat” very well; providing continued chuckles from the audience as he tries to back away from danger or wipe tears from his eyes with his tail.
The four make it to the Emerald City where they meet Lady Growlie played by Abby Diez and Gloria played by Molly Cole. Gloria leads them in the song, “Merry Old Land of Oz”. After a scary visit with the Wizard of Oz who hides behind a large fiery dragon, the four must go off to kill the Witch.
Not only in the four main characters but throughout the cast there was quality acting from the front of the stage to the smallest part in the back, the student actors were following the action and playing their roles.
Great credit and kudos to Cheryl Johnson for Direction and Choreography. Also to Alicia White for Vocal Direction. The entire team should be very proud and we hope after a well deserved rest that they will come together again next year and bless us again with such a production.
My special thanks for having almost the entire cast equipped with microphones. I find it hard to hear many performances if you are back more than 10 rows. The sound can drop off or sound muddy. The microphones let the dialog and singing voices fill the auditorium. It was wonderful.
The rest of the performance proceeded with the same high caliber of excellence. There were a few comedic points worth noting. In the second act a scene opens at the Wicked Witch’s castle where three witches are having tea. The other two witches are played by Crystal Rounds and Katelyn Ramirez. Upon leaving, the flying monkeys bring them their flying broomsticks. First Witch has a Broomstick but the second Witch dressed in her black leathers has her supercharged vacuum cleaner and rides off stage sounding like she took off on her Harley.
Later, when the Wicked Witch is thrown into the cauldron (with the shrinking potion) a Minnie-me version of the witch pops up and almost escapes before she is thrown back in.
The Wizard of Oz gets high marks and praise all the way around. The Barker Central School District, its taxpayers, its parents, its Grandparents and its staff should be very proud of these students. They will need your continued support as they continue to grow up in our small rural community.
An additional performance has been added for Sunday April 1st at 3 pm.
I hope you will take the time to enjoy, “The Wizard of OZ”.
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