Marquette Couny residents who want to travel down the yellow brick road will have the opportunity in the W.C. Peterson Auditorium at Ishpeming High School starting this Friday.
The iconic musical, which is celebrating it’s 80th anniversary this year, promises fun for the entire family as you follow Dorothy, played by Hailie Smith and her dog Toto, played by Jayden Maki on a journey to see the Wizard played by Jeff Richards.
Along the way, she encounters the Scarecrow, played by Azreal Vollmar, then the Tin Man, played by Spencer Giroux, and finally the Cowardly Lion played by Ben Gronvall. The band of travelers is relentlessly pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West played by Audrey Stetson.
Dozens of students of all ages have worked hard for several months, despite other commitments, multiple weather issues and school cancelations, Director Denise Clark said, persevering much like the main characters of the play.
“These terrific kids have been very busy creating what we expect to be a wonderful night of theatre,” Clark said. “The kids will deliver lively broad interpretations of iconic characters, what could be better than that?”
Clark said producer Sheila Graziulis, an Ishpeming Public Schools teacher, has helped the students to perfect performances of classic numbers like “Over the Rainbow,” “We’re off to See the Wizard,” the “Merry Old Land of Oz,” and other favorites.
The show is perfect for both the actors and the audience due to the overarching themes of home, friendship, perseverance as well as a sense of the magical and wonderous journey that life can turn out to be.
Performances will be held Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and will be available at the door.
