From Metropolis' 2011 High School Performance Experience production

From Metropolis’ 2011 High School Performance Experience production

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts is getting a jump start on celebrating the 75th anniversary of the classic film The Wizard of Oz with our own production of the show! While our all-student cast is hard at work in rehearsal, we checked in with director Marlene Flood about her take on the classic show.

“It’s such a wonderful story,” said Flood. “At each rehearsal, we talk about the importance of presenting this show as honestly as possible. If the cast believes every element of the story, they’ll truly transport the audience to the Wonderful Land of Oz.”

So how do you make a classic story exciting for the audience? “The script is so well written,” notes Flood, “that it doesn’t really need anything extra added. We do have some great casting that will add some interest. We have a fantastic girl playing the Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz role, and another girl playing the Scarecrow. They’re both making creative decisions about their characters that make them very special.”

Also watch for some younger actors as the Munchkins and a “surprise demise” for the Wicked Witch.

Finally, Flood noted how she’s enjoyed working with this all-student cast. “Most young performers have a fearless approach to creating, and the results can be an inspiring, enlightening performance of a character. They think of aspects that sometimes I haven’t even mentioned to them, and it is always so rewarding to see them think onstage as their character!”

Don’t miss Metropolis School of the Performing Arts’ production of The Wizard of Oz, November 7-9.