The Wizard of Oz
at Thomas Edison High School

Reviewed on May 10, 2014

Nikki Amico
West Potomac High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

There is no place like high school theatre at its finest. Edison High school took on the daunting task of performing a show that is a touchstone of American culture: The Wizard of Oz. With zeal and gusto from every student involved, this production filled the stage with charm and did the timeless classic justice.

Though based on a novel written by L. Frank Baum at the turn of the century, the Wizard of Oz achieved its greatest success in Hollywood. An innovation in filmmaking, the Wizard of Oz, premiering in 1939, was the first film to transition from black and white to Technicolor. Nominated for six Academy Awards, including best picture, the film became a staple of American society, though not initially a box office success. Baum produced a theatrical version of the story in 1902, but the most commonly performed stage version is the one adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1987. This story closely follows the film, centering on young Dorothy from Kansas who finds herself in the entrancing world of Oz.

In Oz, Dorothy is greeted by a gaggle of quirky munchkins, a good witch, and a bad witch. She befriends a brainless Scarecrow, a heartless Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion. Each with their own desire, they set off to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, encountering numerous obstacles and shenanigans along the way.

Leading the show as the innocent yet bold heroine was the charismatic Emily Flack. Flack embodied the mantra "acting is reacting" as she was constantly in the moment and responding to the action onstage. With a clear understanding of her character and precise tonal quality to both her singing and speaking voice, Flack brought a believable presence to Dorothy and carried the show with a strong performance. As one of her main allies, Pedro Silva portrayed the lovable Scarecrow with impressive physicality and smooth vocals. The chemistry between Silva and Flack was evident to the audience as their heartwarming friendship developed throughout the show. Peter Scheible and Nicholas Riehle rounded out the quartet as the Tin Man and the Lion, respectively. Schieble's pure baritone distinguished his performance while Riehle's comedic chops benefited his character, allowing him to command the stage in songs such as "King of the Forest." This ragtag gang set a high standard of energy that the ensemble matched, making for lively performances all around.

The lighting and special effects worked together to create the magical atmosphere of Oz. Contributing to the overall mood of the production, the lighting visually illustrated the characterizations of the witches. The Wicked Witch brought with her green and red tones while Glinda was represented by a bright ball of light. The lighting team also operated projectors that displayed pictures to set the backgrounds of the scenes. Though sometimes displaying the wrong images, the projectors effectively established the setting for the audience and were especially useful during the tornado. Another notable aspect of the production was the student orchestra as they consistently maintained an equal balance with the performers and elevated the level of the musical numbers.

With shining talent, an energetic ensemble, and meticulous technical elements, the students of Edison masterfully created the worlds of Kansas and Oz. Filling the audience with nostalgia and joy, Edison's production proved that this iconic classic is just as enjoyable now as it was 65 years ago.

Maria Regina
Heritage High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Americans have cherished the motto "There's no place like home," since 1939. The Wizard of Oz, the first-ever Technicolor motion picture, became an instant hit in household across the nation, as people of all ages watched their favorite heroine, her dog, and three unlikely pals venture to the Emerald City. Based on the book by L. Frank Baum, the story follows a young woman, Dorothy, who is caught in a tornado at her home in Kansas. When Dorothy awakens, she and her dog, Toto, find themselves in a fantasy world of cowardly lions, dancing scarecrows, and a singing tin man. Together, Dorothy and her friends journey to the Emerald City, with the guidance of a good witch, to receive help from the famous Wizard of Oz and to return home at last.

Thomas Edison High School's production starred Emily Flack as Dorothy. Flack impeccably mimicked Judy Garland's character, and she sang classic ballads such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with beautiful vibrato and loveable hopefulness. Her interactions with Toto were also impressive, as she danced and sang while toting a puppy with remarkable grace. Dorothy's team of friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, was diverse in talent and individual nuances. The Scarecrow (Pedro Silva), was a sweet, ditzy character and stood out as a dancer. The Tin Man and Lion (Nicholas Riehle and Peter Scheible) were both comical in their physicality and vocal qualities. Riehle consistently played a bewildered young man, while Scheible's frequent attempts to be brave and bold were humorous.

The ensemble, including munchkins, Emerald City citizens, and talking trees, is essential to this production. Edison's large ensemble was always engaged and enhanced numbers such as "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" and "If I only Had a Brain." Frequent dance numbers helped boost the energy, despite some sloppy moments among ensemble members.

Edison's technical aspects assisted in bringing the Land of Oz to the stage. Their sound, designed by Ryan Pinkney and Allie Harris, allowed a balance between the very skilled orchestra and the actors. Lighting by Anthony Glad, Santiago Estela, Allie Harris and Kaalie Price enhanced the action, although some parts of the stage were dim, and included well-timed spotlights that illuminated the witches as they flew to Oz.

Thomas Edison brought a land somewhere over the rainbow to the stage in their production of The Wizard of Oz. Vibrant characters, mysterious effects, and an adorable Toto helped the audience to fully immerse themselves in their favorite tale of friendship, family, and home sweet home.

AnnaLin Woo
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." With this nostalgic quote, Thomas Edison High School officially kicked off its second-to-last performance of "The Wizard of Oz" this weekend.

Based on the novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," and adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the show has been a theatre classic from the beginning. Edison Theater Department's choice to stay stay close to the movie version served them well. Depicting a girl and her dog who have been dropped into the foreign land of Oz, "The Wizard of Oz" follows Dorothy on her journey to return to Kansas as she gains friends, allies, enemies, and a famous pair of ruby-red slippers along the way.

Emily Flack was a true-to-life Dorothy, impressing the audience with her vocals in "Over the Rainbow" and retaining the same overall innocence and charm first seen in Judy Garland's performance. Her clear diction and quick dancing only added to her endearing stage presence. Joining Flack were Nicholas Riehle, Pedro Silva, and Peter Scheible as the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion, respectively. Riehle's excellent voice served him well in the song "If I Only Had A Heart," and he did a fair job of acting like a man made of tin. Silva's wobbly physicality and witty repartee kept the audience laughing, but his dancing was the main event. Providing a counterpart to the other two, Scheible's characterization was focused mainly on his role as a comedian, dropping puns left and right, though he also showcased his voice in the song "If I Were King of the Forest".

Other notable actors and actresses include the Good Witch Glinda, played by McKenzie Sterner, and the humorous guard of the gates of Oz, Kyle Bevenour. The general ensemble of the show- a very large number of students- had a good level of energy and performed well as a group.

The costumes, though not made by students, were creative, conducive to the various dances, and acted as a good complement to the lighting scheme created by Anthony Glad. Special effects were used well in this show, including the entrances and exits of Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West, involving fog and a rotating tower. Although there were a few small issues with mics, the sound crew handled all twelve microphoned actors and actresses admirably.

If you're looking for something to take you back down memory lane, look no farther than Edison's pleasingly old-fashioned production of "The Wizard of Oz".

Isabel Zapata
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Ft Hunt/Kingstowne

Chanting munchkins, talking trees, and spellbindingly sparkly slippers? As Dorothy might say, we're definitely not in Kansas anymore! Through the creativity of the cast and crew at Thomas Edison High School, wicked witches and flying monkeys sweep the audience into a wondrous production of Wizard of Oz like a tornado in Kansas.

The Wizard of Oz, originally a novel by L. Frank Baum, inspired numerous adaptations, stage plays, musicals, television series, books, and the classic 1939 film starring Judy Garland. Originally performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the 1987 musical adaptation by John Kane is among the most popular of the spinoffs. Abiding by the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, Thomas Edison High School stunningly recreated the adventure in the enthralling Land of Oz: a fable following a brainless scarecrow, a heartless tin man, and a lily-livered lion whom accompany Dorothy as the malicious Wicked Witch of the West pursues her ruby red slippers.

Clutching a real-life Toto in the crook of her arm, Emily Flack as Dorothy, convincingly transformed herself into the Kansas sweet pea, congenially charming the audience and completely devoting herself to her character's endearing, wholesome persona. Her honeyed voice glided through the numbers without difficulty, specifically showcasing an effortless vibrato in her engaging solo, "Over the Rainbow." As the troupe of harlequins with nothing but affection for Dorothy and their friends, Nicholas Riehle, Pedro Silva, and Peter Scheible, as the TinMan, Scarecrow, and Lion, respectively, each displayed different strengths. Silva particularly excelled through his physical portrayal and raw dedication of his character while Riehle shined as a vocalist. Scheible commendably recreated the beloved character of the Cowardly Lion, showcasing his particular knack for comedic timing.

As the wickedly villainous witch, Erika Gallagher fantastically used hunched physicality and a petrifying cackle to stupefy the audience during her scenes. Glinda, played by McKenzie Sterner, excelled as a vocalist and easily portrayed kind and altruistic characteristics. Kyle Bevenour stood out as the Oz Guard, showcasing a smooth voice, striking comedic timing, and laudable commitment to character. Jacob Peele and Emily Yankovich particularly succeeded as ensemble dancers, performing enjoyable solos with skillful ease. As an ensemble, The Winkies enhanced the humor and energy of the production.

Bringing the enchanting, aesthetic world of Oz to the stage is a challenge for any crew; however, the technical aspects of the performance did so splendidly. The lights enhanced the set with jeweled colors, specifically heightening the tornado scene with eclectic flashes of darkness. The orchestra smoothly complemented the transitions between the scenery changes and tunefully performed the score. The make-up crew impressively executed the intricate face painting during the show, effectively magnifying the distinction between Kansas and the Land of Oz. The stage crew members also impressively handled the numerous props and set pieces, swiftly transitioning between scenes.

With evocative songs and an abundance of dedication, the cast successfully performed the beloved tale of the little girl in the ruby red slippers and her gang of oddballs on their grand adventure. Taking us "Over the Rainbow", Thomas Edison High School's adventure to the Land of Oz is as familiar as any fond childhood memory, reminding the audience "there's no place like home."

Marielle Burt
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

A tornado sweeps a young girl away to a mystical land where she meets a witty scarecrow without a brain, a lovable tin man without a heart, and a loyal lion without courage. Sound familiar? You guessed it. It's that ultimate American classic, "The Wizard of Oz." Thomas Edison High School's rendition of this quintessential tale brought smiles to the faces of every expectant youngster (and youngsters-at-heart).

The brilliant creative duo of Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg added memorable songs to the story contained in L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", to create a musical masterpiece. Much like the 1939 movie, the show follows the sweet and strong-willed Dorothy after she runs away from her home in Kansas and finds herself in a curious and colorful land over the rainbow. With impenetrable optimism and the help of some enthusiastic friends, she embarks on a quest to meet "the great and powerful Wizard of Oz," for only he can help her find her way back to her dear old Kansas farmhouse.

Leading the show with pep and vim, Emily Flack (Dorothy) was perfect for her iconic role. Her puppy-dog eyes and enchanting smile gave her an endearingly innocent demeanor. Flack's voice shone in her solos, including, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," in which she hit the highest notes with pure, melodic ease. In the ensemble numbers she led the cast with boundless energy, prancing about the stage with a gaggle of giddy munchkins.

Dorothy's trio of comrades was a source of endless hilarity. Fully embracing the quirkiness of the script, these three never missed a beat in their fast-paced dialogue. Pedro Silva, as the Scarecrow, dexterously manipulated his physicality, moving his lanky limbs with an exaggerated ease, as though he were actually made of straw. Nicholas Riehle, as the Tin Man, displayed incredible vocal prowess in his solo numbers. Peter Scheible, as the Lion, was an uproarious scaredy-cat. Scheible's hilarious spastic reactions to the slightest surprises earned him choruses of laughter.

Other standout performers include Erika Gallager, as a wonderful Wicked Witch of the West. Her maniacal shrieks of laughter and sneering taunts to Dorothy made her the perfect foil to the wholesome heroine. Playing the bubbly Mayor of the Emerald City, Jacob Peele's exaggerated chipper expressions and explosive energy made him an instant audience favorite

The mesmerizing technical elements of the show were vital, as there can be no "Wizard of Oz" without the Land of Oz. A revolving door on center stage enabled creative entrances and exits, and by combining this special feature with expertly timed fog, the Wicked The Witch of the West seemed to magically appear and disappear. Four projection screens spanned the stage and conveyed the backdrop of each scene. The makeup added a touch of whimsy to the production, from a painted patch of fabric on the Scarecrow's forehead to detailed feline features on the Lion. The precise lighting also enhanced key moments in the show, including Glinda's magical entrance from a growing bubble of pale-pink light.

Wizards, munchkins, and flying monkeys filled the stage at Thomas Edison High School in a magical, whirlwind performance. The audience was transported to Kansas, Oz, and back again all in one sitting in Thomas Edison's delightful production of "The Wizard of Oz."

Yena Seo
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

Munchkins and scarecrows and monkeys, oh my! Few shows are as beloved as "The Wizard of Oz," and its timeless tale of Dorothy and her trio of friends has captured the hearts of audiences' both young and old. Featuring iconic songs, brilliant technical effects, and enthusiastic performances, the cast and crew of Thomas Edison High School presented a dynamic production of the classic musical.

Based on L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book, "The Wizard of Oz" has garnered several adaptations since the novel's publication, including the popular 1939 film starring Judy Garland. Written by Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg and John Kane, the stage musical version was originally performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1987. Widely acclaimed to be one of the most influential American musicals, "The Wizard of Oz" chronicles the adventures of Dorothy and her motley crew of allies. As she tries to find her way back home to Kansas, Dorothy encounters flying monkeys, wicked witches and treacherous jitterbugs in the Land of Oz, only to learn that home is truly where the heart is.

Emily Flack had big shoes to fill as Dorothy, but was able to step into the iconic character's ruby-red slippers effortlessly, embodying the character in both appearance and spirit. Flack's wide-eyed innocence and vocal intonations seemed to be emulating Garland's film performance, and her melodious soprano shone in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

As the first friend Dorothy makes on her journey down the yellow brick road, Pedro Silva lit up the stage with his entertaining performance as the Scarecrow, while his skilled dancing and loose-limbed physicality conveyed to the audience that his character truly had no bones. Peter Scheible was uproarious and adorable as the Cowardly Lion, utilizing bold facial expressions and comedic delivery of lines to garner laughs from the audience. As the Tin Man, Nicholas Riehle displayed remarkable vocal talent and physicality, mastering the gait required for the character. The camaraderie among the three actors and Dorothy was evident, and their harmonies in "We're Off to See the Wizard" were beautiful and well-blended.

Other supporting actors gave committed and commendable performances. As Glinda, McKenzie Sterner showcased a rich, impeccable soprano voice, while Erika Gallagher as the Wicked Witch of the West was appropriately malicious, her maniacal laugh and glaring facial expressions embodying her character's wickedness. Kyle Bevenour and Jacob Peele as the Oz Guard and Munchkin Mayor made the most of relatively small parts with quirky mannerisms and individualized personas. Overall, the entire cast was dedicated and energetic throughout the show, creating a fun and whimsical atmosphere.

Dazzling technical elements added to the grandeur of the production and imitated the movie's transition from dull tones to technicolor, visually depicting Dorothy's arrival in Oz. Makeup was particularly exquisite for the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man, and the changes in and out of makeup were handled with professionalism. Edison added their own twist to the classic musical with large screen projections to represent various settings, while intricate and prismatic lighting design was intelligently executed. A revolving door which illustrated the witches' arrivals and exits, as well as a real-life canine companion to portray Toto, further illuminated the whimsical, enchanting aura of the production.

While producing and recreating such a beloved story can be a difficult task, the dedicated cast and crew of Thomas Edison High School did so with poise, professionalism and creativity. While Dorothy wants nothing more than to return to Kansas and her loved ones in the show, Edison's enthralling production left audience members wishing they could stay just a bit longer in the wonderful, magical land of Oz.

Jordan Goodson
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Connection

Somewhere over the rainbow (or perhaps just off Franconia Road) bluebirds fly, munchkins sing, and good triumphs over evil, in Thomas Edison High School's charming production of The Wizard of Oz.

Originally a novel written by L. Frank Baum in 1900, "The Wizard of Oz" has been adapted into countless movies and musicals, the most iconic being the 1939 film starring Judy Garland. If you were born sometime in the last hundred years, you probably know the story of "The Wizard of Oz." Small-town Kansas girl Dorothy Gale runs away to protect her beloved dog Toto, only to be whisked off by a tornado—or so she thinks—to the magical land of Oz. There she must team up with a motley crew in order to defeat the Wicked Witch and find her way back home. Eventually she learns that home was within her reach all along—she just needed to learn to appreciate it first.

As Dorothy, Emily Flack flawlessly emulated Judy Garland, from the star's wide-eyed innocence to her vocal intonations. However, Flack did not fail to make the character her own, distinct from Garland's. With her lovely voice, nuanced facial expressions, and powerful stage presence, Flack managed to create a living, breathing, relatable girl out of a character so often portrayed as one-dimensional. Supporting Flack was a talented trio comprised of Pedro Silva, Nicholas Riehle, and Peter Scheible (the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, respectively). They were each strong in various areas. Riehle demonstrated remarkable vocals, while Silva and Scheible shone in comedic moments. Silva employed broad, loose-limbed, physical comedy that worked well against Flack's graceful Dorothy. Scheible used histrionic vocal inflections and overdrawn facial expressions to garner laughs from the audience. The four actors worked well together, playing off each other and creating distinct relationships between each of the characters.

Though the cast as a whole was endlessly committed and energetic, many featured and supporting characters stood out from the rest. Both witches—McKenzie Sterner as Glinda and Erika Gallagher as the Wicked Witch of the West—gave commendable performances. Sterner's soprano had impeccable tone and always remained on-key, and Gallagher's malicious persona and maniacal laugh perfectly embodied her character's trademark wickedness. Also notable were Kyle Bevenour, as the Oz Guard, and Jacob Peele, as the munchkin mayor. Though both roles were somewhat small, the two actors made them quite memorable by giving their characters individualized personalities and mannerisms.

The production's technical elements added a professional air to the show. Imitating how the movie began in sepia-tones before transitioning into color, the set, costumes, makeup, etc. were all initially various shades of brown and gray, transforming like the movie into color after Dorothy arrived in Oz. The makeup in particular was fantastic, with many characters such as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion requiring both detailed makeup designs and extremely quick changes—all of which were accomplished flawlessly. The lighting design was also intricate, with many spotlights and special lighting effects executed laudably. The sound went smoothly, and despite a few hiccups, the set changes were quick and efficient. Finally, the set was basic but effective, with an impressive revolving door and multiple levels.

Taking on an iconic piece of American culture such as "The Wizard of Oz" can be tricky, because people have built in expectations of what they're going to see— expectations that can be hard to either meet or defy. But Thomas Edison High School handled that challenge with aplomb. The audience may not have had to follow the yellow brick road, but they ended up with magic all the same.

Ellie Milewski
Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Good singing and acting and dancing… oh my! On Saturday afternoon, Thomas Edison Fine Arts Department performed one of the most iconic stories of all time, "The Wizard of Oz". This fairytale was written by L. Frank Baum in 1900 and was turned into a film in 1939. Though the motion picture was not an overwhelming success at first, it went on to become a central part of American pop culture. The fable follows the story of Dorothy, a sweet, innocent girl from Kansas who dreams of going to a place where "troubles melt like lemon drops." When a tornado hits, Dorothy is swept into the magical land of Oz. Our heroine goes on a wild adventure to find the Wizard of Oz so he may help her return home to Kansas. On her way, she makes plenty of new friends but a few enemies as well, and as her journey continues Dorothy realizes that there is "no place like home." With impressive acting, tender relationships, notable vocals, and a touch of magic, Thomas Edison High School brought their rendition of the classic "Wizard of Oz" to life.

Emily Flack was a lovable Dorothy. She captured Dorothy's wistful air and tender heart and had the audience rooting for her from the moment the curtain opened. Flack's opening song, "Somewhere over the Rainbow," was beautiful and her vocals were powerful throughout the show. The relationships that Flack had with her three companions were all engaging and fun to watch. Pedro Silva, who played the Scarecrow, used his physicality to portray the role and had comical line delivery. Nicholas Riehle, as the Tin Man, had impressive vocals, and Peter Scheible, as the Lion, kept the audience laughing with his growls and cowardly whimpering. Scheible was an especially strong presence on stage and brought energy to every scene. Together, Flack and her friends made quite an appealing team.

The first person Dorothy meets in Oz is the glamorous Glinda the Good. McKenzie Sterner was graceful and enchanting as this character. She had a stunning voice and a commanding presence. The munchkins of Munchkin Land were entertaining and had an endearing energy. Glinda's opposite, The Wicked Witch of the West, was played by Erika Gallagher. Gallagher performed with power and her cackle was just right. Her minions, the flying monkeys, while not particularly sinister, added liveliness to the show with their simian screeches.

The overall production of this show was solid. Glinda's entrance was one of the noteworthy special effects and the lighting was creative throughout the show. It was especially fun to see the creative use of color during the scene when the tornado struck. Thomas Edison should be commended for their production of "The Wizard of Oz" which was faithful to the beloved, classic movie. So if you're dying to see "The Wizard of Oz," close your eyes, click your heels three times, and say "There's no place like the Edison High School!"