They’re off to see the wizard

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This article was published 10/12/2018 (2620 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Community members are invited to follow the yellow brick road all the way to Windsor Park Collegiate later this month.

The school will present The Wizard of Oz from Dec. 18 to 20 at the school, which is located at 1015 Cottonwood Rd. Each performance will start at 7 p.m., and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Described as a Family of Schools Production, the show will also include performances from a number of students from K to 8 schools in the area, which include Frontenac School, General Vanier School, and École Sage Creek School.

“One of the special things about the production is that students from our family of schools will be part of the cast and appear in parts of the show, such as the munchkin scenes,” said Jeff Hunter, a music teacher at Windsor Park Collegiate who is also heavily involved with the production.

“We’re trying to bring the community together, and this is a celebration of the collaborative efforts of students, parents, classroom teachers, and administrative staff that have all been involved in co-ordinating this.”

Hunter said the show will be a “classic take” on the iconic 1939 film, which will allow the creative juices to flow and give audiences a spectacle for the senses.

“We’re going to have big costumes and big sets, and it will be a very traditional take on The Wizard of Oz,” he said.

“We also have students involved with pit band, lights, sound, painting, costuming, so the focus is on the entire school, and beyond. We’ve also got some career internship students trying to generate some support with local businesses, and we’re also trying to connect with some alumni to further foster a connection with the community.”

In terms of the classic story, Hunter said it’s a tale that still resonates with the imaginations of audiences nearly 80 years after the film was first released.

“I think there’s a familiarity and innocence and hope that people see in Dorothy,” Hunter said. “I love the hope in the story, and the humour in the characters, and there are some wonderful moments in the story.”   

Tickets for the production are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and children. Tickets are available at the school’s office, as well as the offices of the family of schools taking part. Tickets will also be available at the door, depending on availability. Call the school office at 204-256-7316 for more information.

At press time, there were also advertising and sponsorship opportunities available in the show’s program. Email Hunter at jeffrey.hunter@lrsd.net for more information.