Week six: I’d turn back if I were you

Blocking scenes are coming to an end at musical rehearsals.  Most of the scenes have been staged, and now the actors have to really start studying their lines.  Throughout this week, the actors wrapped up the remaining scenes in Act two and the story development is shaping well.  All the actors need is just a little more practice.  But little do they know time is running out quicker than they think.  The actors only have thirteen more rehearsals before opening night, and as always, people start to panic.  But no matter what happens, the theatre department always prevails and performs a grand show.

Monday, Oct. 10 was the first day actors got to experience the tornado sequence.  The tornado is a giant pole with wires wrapped around the edges in the company of a cloudy texture to add to the feel.  There are dancers that roll fences around, open windows, and carry Dorothy around the stage to create an intense musical sequence.  The tornado was created last weekend and it adds to the growing number of set pieces held backstage.  There really isn’t much room left back there for stuff.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11 many of the actors met to run through the “Merry Old Land of Oz” number again.  Dialogue was finally added to the number and all of the remaining parts were polished and put together.  The guard scenes were also blocked into the number.

Wednesday, Oct. 12 was one of the most productive days we’ve had so far.  We were a little behind schedule, but we ended up blocking five scenes on Wednesday.  We staged all of the witches’ castle scenes. 

Junior Hailee Windsor enjoys acting as the witch and pretending to melt. 

“Being green is going to be fun.  I’ve enjoyed acting as the villain,” Windsor said.

Other things covered that night included the forest scene and the flying monkeys.  It was horrifying, I thought.  I was beaten half to death by the freshman monkeys. 

“Smile to the children in the audience,” director Jon Copeland said.  “It’s so terrifying; they might forget it isn’t real.”

Thursday, Oct. 13 is going to be a review of the music with the cast and the orchestra.  It will be the first time they meet together. 

Senior Leo Santos believes he bit off more than he could chew by joining the pit orchestra. 

“The music is insane,” he said.  “Some of the chords are downright ridiculous.”  Santos has to play trumpet while he performs. 

The rest of the night some actors will switch off and go run scenes while their doubles practice the music.  The cast will also practice a special finale number, something that is quite different from the classic story.  You will just have to come see for yourself what crazy surprises we have in store for you.  Keep checking back in the remaining weeks of practice for an inside look at the Wizard of Oz.  Opening night is almost here and ticket order forms will be distributed soon.  Check out Jon Copeland’s webpage for ticket order forms when they are available.  We hope to see you at the show.