by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” brought local crowds to their feet after three exceptional shows this past weekend at the Gouverneur High School.
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club used the delightful stage adaption of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale by Concord Theatricals and the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The story – in which a girl from Kansas travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home – has entertained audiences for generations.
Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club Advisor Brandon Griffin warmly welcomed all those in attendance. “Your children have been working very hard this past month to put on this musical,” Mr. Griffin said. “When I was selecting what musical to do, I wasn’t sure what musical I wanted to do, so I asked the students: “What musical do you want to do?” After hearing, “Let’s do Disney,” I said: “Let’s do something a little more classic… I decided to go with “The Wizard of Oz.” I was looking for versions to do with a Middle School group. I came across Concord Theatricals youth version, which is what you’ll see tonight. As I was doing more research for the show, I come to find out that the “youth version” is technically a version of the show that is to be done by high school students. I’m proud that these kids were able to adapt. For them to put on a high school show is beyond impressive. I truly hope you enjoy the show. The kids have worked really, really hard and we’re proud to present The Wizard of Oz.”
Mr. Griffin dedicated the show in memory of his grandmother, Marilyn Griffin, who was his biggest fan and supporter.
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” included 13 scenes and songs, including the following: Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Munchkinland, Yellow Brick Road, If I Only Had A Brain, We’re Off To See the Wizard, If I Only Had A Heart, If I Only Had The Nerve, Jitterbug, Merry Old Land of Oz, and Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead.
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” was directed by Brandon Griffin with assistance by Jaime Hughes and Jennifer Prashaw and student director Audrey Ormasen. Light Directors were Madison Hopper and Destiny Blair. The Sound Director was Kaden Wells. The Stage Manager was Lorelei Slate. Stage Crew included: Jared Cox, Charlee Cudhea, Audrianna Gleason, Madison Nichols, Lorelei Slate, Celia Weekes, and Melody Doyle. The set/props were made possible by Brandon Griffin, Amber Ormasen, Audrey Ormasen, Jennifer Prashaw, Brandy Parshley and Daniel Parshley.
The cast of characters included the following: Dorothy Gale (Yasmine Langille), Aunt Em (Laila Lewis), Uncle Henry (Robert Millemon), Hunk (Brycen Parshley), Hickory (Kaelyn Bishop), Miss Gulch (Izzabella Vann), Toto (Masyn Cudhea), Scarecrow (Ruby Griffith), Tinman (Karsyn Cudhea), Cowardly Lion (Emma Riutta), Witch (Sophia Smith), Professor Marvel (Roy Bender), Wizard of Oz (Hendrix McSweeney), Doorman (Brycen Parshley), Guard (Robert Millemon), Glinda The Good Witch (Audrey Ormasen), and Nikko (Carter McGill).
The Flying Monkeys included the following students: Keelee Bice, Karissa Hamilton, Izzabella Vann.
The Jitterbugs included the following students: Brooklyn Anderson, Paisley Casey, Aspen Chase, Kendra Jenkins, Lainey McDougall, Raeleigh McIntosh, Mya Seymour, and Aryanna Tarkowski.
The Munchkins and Ozians include Raeleigh McIntosh, Paisley Casey, Mya Seymour, Karrisa Hamilton, Aria Austin, Aspen Chase, Kameran Bice, Adrian Ciminer, and Baileigh Law. Others include the following: Mayor (Robert Millemon), Barrister (Lainey McDougall), City Fathers (Brooklyn Anderson, Aubrianna Mason), Coroner (Hendrix McSweeney), Munchkin No. 1 and No. 2 (Laraya Klock), Tots (Keelee Bice, Kendra Jenkins, Aryana Tarkowski), and Tough Kids (Roy Bender, Aspen Chase)
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club extended gratitude for their dedication to the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, GCS Supt. Jackie Kelly, Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood, Gouverneur High School Secretarial Staff Tammy Mullin and Michelle Hassett, the Gouverneur High School Custodial Staff, Gouverneur Middle School Principal Robert Kotz, Gouverneur Middle School Assistant Principal Michael Hammond, Gouverneur Middle School Secretarial Staff Bonnie Bates and Missy Raymo, Stacy Canell, Casey Canell, Corryn Canell, Heather Rose, Brandy Parshley, the Gouverneur Tribune Press, and of course the Gouverneur community and parents. A special word of appreciation was extended to all those who support the Yellow Brick Road fundraiser. Hundreds of positive, encouraging messages were posted around the auditorium and halls. The funds will be used to support the Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club.
For more info on the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.