Dorothy (Sammi Karle), The Tin Man (Brian Bone) and the Scarecrow (Camilla Clark) start their journey down the Yellow Brick Road in Northridge Middle School's production of The Wizard of Oz. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Lions and tigers and bears and many other familiar characters will come to life during Northridge Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
A cast and stage crew of more than 100 students will bring to life familiar songs and characters that have thrilled generations of people.
Dorothy, played by eighth grader Sammi Karle, and her dog Toto find themselves in a strange land over the rainbow. The pair makes friends and enemies as they travel the yellow brick road to the magical kingdom of Oz. Their journey is often interrupted by the Wicked Witch of the West, played by eighth-grader Emily Brewer.
“Doing a popular musical that the audience already knows does add a little more pressure,” said eighth-grader Dawson Odle, who plays the Cowardly Lion. “But, it also makes it more fun because there will be some surprises. It gives the cast an opportunity to be artistic which will end up being more fun for everybody.”
Odle, who starred in last year’s production of Beauty and The Beast, also is a member of the Northridge Choir and Show Choir and has performed with the Vanity Singers.
“The Lion character matches my character, so that should give me a good connection with my part,” he said.
Karle, an experienced actress, has enjoyed preparing for opening night.
“We have a good mix of experienced and inexperienced cast members,” she said. “It has really been fun because I get to be with many of my best friends.”
Karle, who was in the Vanity Theater’s production of Fiddler on the Roof last summer, said playing Dorothy has been a good experience.
“I know people already know the plot of the Wizard of Oz, but I like the challenge of being Dorothy,” Karle said. “There are parts of Dorothy in me that I can pull out.”
The musical is being directed by Northridge teachers Megan Birk, Daniel Martin and Mike Melvin. Martin said there have been challenges working with such a large number of middle school students.
“There have been times when I ask myself why am I attempting this,” Martin said. “But, honestly, the kids have been great and we have a lot of talent. We have some great experienced and talented students and even the sixth graders have been amazing.”
Rounding out the cast is Brian Bone as the Tin Man; Camilla Clark as the Scarecrow; Hunter Donaldson as the Wizard of Oz; and Emilee Horn as Glinda the Witch of the East.
Martin said there are so many parts in the musical that he was pleased many students wanted to be involved. Students have found roles as Munchkins, flying monkeys and Ozians.
Admission to the show is $5 for adults; $3 for students; and children 5 and younger will be admitted for free.
