Those eager to see how the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz will play out on stage are in luck. Musical director Jon Copeland has cast the roles for what he says will be an adaption very similar to the original film.
The Wizard of Oz follows the story of Dorothy, a Kansas girl swept to the land of Oz. Meeting unlikely friends along the way, she embarks on a fascinating journey to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in hopes of earning his help to return home.
With the inclusion of numerous different characters in the show, Copeland had no difficulties finding talented performers.
“I think [the cast] is great. There were lots of people that surprised me at auditions,” Copeland said. “A lot of people came and surprised me for a specific part.”
With every person who auditioned playing at least two different roles, Copeland struggled to attain a realistic combination of roles for each actor when making casting decisions. Staying up until 3 a.m. on Friday and working all day Saturday, his efforts were showcased when the cast list was posted Sunday. Similar to previous musicals, Copeland has chosen to cast two actors to each lead role.
“[I chose to double cast roles] because we have so many really talented students,” Copeland said.
Sharing the role of Dorothy are sophomores Madison Plouvier and Olivia Phillips. The scarecrow will be played by senior Josh Duden and junior Alec Santaularia and the lion will be played by senior Brandon Burnworth and junior Alex Maupin. The tinman will be played by seniors Brendan Kendall and Brayton Young. Playing Glinda is senior Paige Hillebert and junior Chloe Stewart. The wicked witch will be played by juniors Hailee Windsor and Kelsey Winscott.
Upon finding out she would be playing the part of Glinda, Hillebert was enthused.
“[When I first found out I got the part of Glinda] I was excited because it sounds like it will be really fun and it’s an interesting character,” Hillebert said. “But I was also really nervous because I don’t know what the music will be like for that part. I was afraid it would be really high.”
The Wizard of Oz runs from Nov. 8-12. To see more of the castings click here.
