Waukon High School to present “The Wizard of Oz” on stage this week

Follow the yellow brick road to Waukon High School for “The Wizard of Oz,” the classic by L. Frank Baum brought to life with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg with background music by Herbert Stolhart. Performance dates in the Waukon High School Auditorium are scheduled for Thursday, November 3 at 7 p.m., Friday, November 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 5 at 7 p.m.

This classic tale takes Dorothy (played by Molly Peake), a Kansas farm girl, over the rainbow to discover the importance of home.  When a cyclone rips its way through Kansas, Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, are swept up by the cyclone and taken away to the magical land of Oz. There she meets Glinda (played by Bailey Sherman), the Good Witch of the North, who shows her the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, as well as The Wicked Witch of the West (played by Lanie Monk), who would be of no help on her journey.

As Dorothy and Toto follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, they meet a Scarecrow (played by Dekota Bechtel) in need of a brain, a Tin Man (played by Ryan Kolsrud) in need of a heart, and Lion (played by Gabe Goettel) in need of some courage.  Through their adventures together, Dorothy’s friends will help her realize that there truly is “no place like home”.

The cast of The Wizard of Oz is made up of 50-plus members, with countless others behind the scenes helping to bring this show to life. This production is filled with Waukon High School students as well as Middle Schoolers and some Elementary Munchkins. Other characters include Aunt Em portrayed by Alaina Gebel, Miss Gulch played by Eireann Goettel, Professor Marvel/the Wizard of Oz played by Caleb Perkins, and Uncle Henry played by Memphis Miller. Toto is played by five-year-old dog, Millie Bieber. Even more cast members fill the rolls of the Citizens of Munchkinland, Poppies, Ozians, Winkies and Flying Monkeys.

The fall musical performance of “Wizard of Oz” is directed by Sarah J. Bieber, Grades 6-12 Vocal Music Director at Waukon Middle/High School, and assistant director Sarah Hagen of the Allamakee Community Players, Inc.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.waukonmusical.ludus.com or a voice message may be left at 563-568-7997. The ticket entrance doors will open an hour before each show with house doors to the auditorium opening 30 minutes before showtime.