By: Abigail Hyndman, Sterling High School, Somerdale
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — Ring the bells! Ring the bells! Rancocas Valley Regional High School’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” knocked audiences out of Kansas.
“The Wizard of Oz” is a musical adapted from the original L. Frank Baum novel that was reimagined into the timeless 1939 film. The dual academy winning show follows the story of a young girl, Dorothy, with a troubled homelife. She feels unloved and distant from her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, seeking refuge in her best friend, Toto. The girl and dog duo get transported to Munchkinland after Toto was threatened to be taken away by the witch-like Almira Gulch. The two meet dynamic characters from vibrant munchkin people to a brainless scarecrow, heartless tin-man, and cowardly lion on their way to meet the wizard.
The show’s production was truly charmed by the talents of the cast’s leads. Each scene lit up in a different light from its individual, unique characters. Each character had unique accents, appeals, flaws, and expressions so captivating they stole the whole show.
Keira Kreig, who portrayed Dorothy, was truly incredible. The moment she shuffled onto the stage with her delicate white and gray dress and best friend Toto (Kona Angradi), the audience was immediately transported into the 1930s. Her spot-on accent and gentle vocals perfectly embodied the character. With emotional numbers like “Reprise: Over the Rainbow” and “Finale Act II,” the actor broke through her performance, engulfed in the sentimental values of the show, and revealed to the audience what true emotional acting is as an actress, Kreig displayed authentic, believable emotions throughout.
The ensemble’s full numbers and vibrant costumes added to the show’s setting from fun munchkin people to dancing emerald city dwellers! Alexis Stewart was an immediate eye-catcher with her crisp dance moves and expressive face in numbers like “The Merry Old Land of Oz” and “Jitterbug.” Her presence in the ensemble lifted the energy and confidence of her cast members as she performed as if each number was her own. The Scarecrow, portrayed by Chloe Swanson, was a great anchor for the production! Her shocking vocals and humorous quirks kept the audience’s attention in every scene, number, and song. “Throwing up” hay and losing limbs all added to the comedic performance of the character perfectly portrayed by Chloe.
An instant jaw-dropper was the production’s rig system where actors were lifted into the air via pulley systems by the stage crew. The crew professionally lifted and guided Glinda and her glowing bubble from scenes, flew Nikko the flying monkey across the stage, and swept the Wicked Witch from wing to wing in incredible manners.
Overall, Rancocas Valley’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” truly showcased the talents of their cast and crew. With impressive technical elements and moving emotional, nostalgic performances, the show successfully transported the audience back into the timeless musical where home is found within.
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