By: Tyler Blaylock, Overbrook High School, Pine Hill
FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. — Travel “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to Delsea Regional High School‘s production of the classic tale The Wizard of Oz. This trip down the yellow brick road was astonishing, to say the least.
The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland, was released in 1939 as the first technicolor movie. It marked the beginning of a new age of film. The story follows Dorothy Gale as she is stuck in the land of Oz. However, the only way she can return home is to find the Wizard of Oz. Along the way, she meets Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion, who all have wishes of their own for the wizard to fulfill. Dorothy learns the importance of home as she longs to return to her family.
This stellar cast provided a beautiful homage to the original 1939 Technicolor film while still adding their own flair to it. The harmonious blend of each song amplified the performance to new heights. The show was anchored by the principal actors and their marvelous renditions of each character. The technical elements were equally as impressive as vibrant colors filled every inch of the stage. The captivating sets and lighting led to a fascinating experience in the Land of Oz.
Paige Effinger illuminated the stage as the optimistic Dorothy Gale. Her charming presence and graceful vocals shined throughout the duration of the show. The charismatic Scarecrow, played by Nico Mazzarelli, never wavered in talent. Mazzarelli was consistently in character while brilliantly executing his physical comedy. The actor was like a burst of energy leaping across the stage. Similarly, William Smashey demonstrated flawless isolated body movements as the Tinman. The Lion, played by Ire Johnson, showcased his strong comedic timing with every line delivery. His hilarious wit kept every scene entertaining and hilarious. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion all dazzled the stage with their strong chemistry bouncing off one another.
Julia Dennis portrayed Glinda with her quintessential operatic voice. Her singing and dancing on stage brought out the witch’s bubbly personality, while Jordyn Blacknall’s performance as The Wicked Witch of the West added a contrast of pure wickedness. The two did a wonderful job balancing the good and evil held within the land of Oz. Additionally, Lamar Bronson’s iteration of Professor Chester Marvel added a great aspect of foreshadowing as he later became the Wizard of Oz. Upon Dorothy’s arrival, the Munchkins noticeably displayed wonderful dance skills during “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead.”
The technical aspects of this show were jaw-dropping. The musical opens with green hues engulfing the room, creating an immersive atmosphere. This effect is later replicated in the yellow brick road scenes with luminescent lights decorating the aisles. Closing the first act, Dorothy and her friends are captured in an exquisite silhouette as they skip onward to the Emerald City. Once they arrive, the Emerald City is nothing short of glamorous. The set glistened under the lights with bedazzled borders around the door to the city. The monochromatic green costumes as well as the set strikingly captured the essence of Wizard’s home.
This cast proved there’s no place like “The Merry Old Land of Oz” at Delsea Regional High School. Their magical showcasing of The Wizard of Oz drove home the imperative message of finding a sense of belonging.
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