“The cast has been extremely dedicated and positive in all they do,” said Mrs. Andrea Gilson, director and producer of NDA’s musical. The Wizard of Oz production is underway and arriving sooner than you may think.
Rehearsals have gone smoothly so far, and all the hard work everyone has put in is bringing the show to life.
The dedication required to coordinate every intricate part of the musical comes from numerous staff members and a cast of students.
Choir director Maria Hinnendael will direct the singing aspect in the show. Librarian Arielle Browne has teamed up with Principal Andrea Hearden to choreograph the dance numbers
“Mrs. Joey Rickards is working relentlessly on the set, and a team of students is supporting and helping,” Gilson added. The Land of Oz has many iconic scenery pieces that can not be missed.
Alum and current staff member Jake Gerlikovski and the stage crew have a tough job with the intense technical details that come with the Wizard of Oz. Managed by band director Steve Johnson, the pit orchestra is responsible for bringing that nostalgic music to the audience.
“The musical we chose is the closest to the movie and has the most technicalities,” Gilson said. Because of this, the director has had to be creative in how she approaches parts of the musical.
Some stunts may be omitted, such as the flying or other challenging scenes.
The musical is very reliant on ticket sales and sponsorships from families. The cost of any musical is not inexpensive, but the Wizard of Oz will be the most expensive production in the last ten years.
Most of the cast members have multiple roles, each requiring a different costume for the same person. This, including all the special effects, has made this production quite pricey.
Families that donate are highly appreciated for bringing the means that enables NDA to have the musical. Allowing students to express themselves on the big stage is what it is all about.
Gilson highly encourages students, staff and families to attend the performances and see the enchanting Land of Oz.
The opening show is on January 22, at 7 p.m., followed by another performance on January 23 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, January 24, there will be two shows, one at 2 p.m. and another at 7 p.m.
The finale will be on Sunday, January 25, at 2 p.m.
Any additional information about performances and support is on NDA’s Musical Facebook Page. Tickets will go on sale to the public on December 12 and will be available until the last showing.
