(PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Swanton High School Music Department presented “The Wizard of Oz” this past weekend. The performances were held on Friday, April 11th, and Saturday, April 12th at 7:00 p.m., with an additional showing on Saturday, April 13th at 2:00 p.m.
The story follows Dorothy Gale (played by Julianna Avery), a young girl from Kansas who dreams of a world beyond her home.
When her dog Toto (played by Leo Hindall) is threatened, she runs away but soon returns after meeting Professor Marvel (played by Braeden Street). A cyclone sweeps Dorothy and Toto into the magical Land of Oz.
In Oz, Dorothy accidentally crushes the Wicked Witch of the East, gaining the favor of the Munchkins and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (played by Abigail Lewis). The Wicked Witch of the West (played by Zoe Arnald) arrives, furious over her sister’s death and the ruby slippers now on Dorothy’s feet.
To return home, Dorothy sets off to find the Wizard of Oz, following the Yellow Brick Road. She befriends a Scarecrow (played by Brody Voight) seeking brains, a Tinman (played by Hudson Pancoast) longing for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (played by Bailey Hindall) in search of courage. They face numerous obstacles, including enchanted forests and magical spells until they reach the Emerald City.
After meeting the Wizard (played by Braeden Street), he sends them to retrieve the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick. They endure jitterbug dances and flying monkeys until they rescue Dorothy and defeat the Witch with water.
Returning to the Emerald City, they discover the Wizard is an ordinary man. He grants them tokens of what they already possess: brains, heart, and courage, and promises to take Dorothy back to Kansas. However, his balloon leaves without her.
Glinda appears and reveals Dorothy can return home by tapping her ruby slippers and saying, “There’s no place like home.” Dorothy wakes up in her bed, surrounded by loved ones, realizing there truly is no place like home.
The cast and crew captivated the audience with their excellent performance and accurate props and costumes. Congratulations to all as this performance was successfully executed by all involved.
