The Wizard of Oz
at Oakcrest School

Reviewed on February 23, 2019

Lily Perez
Woodrow Wilson High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

What is both a musical extravaganza and a commentary on populism reflective of the sociopolitical conflict of an industrializing society? The answer, of course, is "The Wizard of Oz." This American fairytale has found a ubiquitous place in the hearts of people of all ages, from its initial release within the pages of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel, to the iconic 1939 musical film adaptation, to Oakcrest School's charming production. With strong physical choices, smart costuming, and a lot of heart, the spirited cast and crew transported the audience over the rainbow.

The memorable characters of "The Wizard of Oz" have been woven into the fabric of American life by the musical's continuing popularity. As Dorothy, whose odyssey of self-realization was made inextricable from popular culture through Judy Garland's quintessential portrayal, Kiley Hatch served as a compelling center to the production. Hatch's earnest performance embodied the frustrated farmgirl with authenticity, and was burgeoned by pure vocals which were particularly showcased in the opening number, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The infectious energy of the Scarecrow (Ava Quaale), Tin Man (Edith Barvick), and Cowardly Lion (Eli Crishock) likewise enlivened their journey down the yellow-brick road. The distinctive choices made by these companions were consistently impressive, including Quaale's bowed physicality, Barvick's command of her lower register, and Crishock's excellent comedic timing.

Those who played roles in both the grounded environment of Dorothy's Kansas home and the fantastical one she encounters showed significant dexterity as actresses. Megan Meehan was fiercely protective as Aunt Em and mature and graceful as Glinda; Katiebelle Thompson's use of vocal timbre was memorable as Miss Almira Gulch and wickedly funny as the Witch of the West; Simonne Lenseigne was engaging and wily as the Professor and the Wizard of Oz. These performances served the cyclical nature of the plot and emphasized the thematic significance of those casting parallels.

The whimsical Land of Oz, realized creatively in Oakcrest's nontraditional space, was populated by a committed cast executing a variety of ensemble work that characterized the different realms. From Munchkinland to the Emerald City, they flipped, twirled, and even tap danced to the beloved score and catchy lyrics, exhibiting exceptional energy in "Munchkinland." Creative costuming made sassy crows out of Angela Diaz-Bonilla, Bela Wilson, and Katie Svoboda, and indignant trees from Elena Buono, Meredith Klote, and Nora Hill, two particularly memorable trios in the first act. From the thoughtful combinations of the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion with the style of the production's historical era, to the sharp, fittingly emerald outfitting of the Ozians in the "The Merry Old Land of Oz." The neat styling maintained an eye-catching 1940's aesthetic. The cohesion of Oakcrest cast and crew was apparent in all facets of their production. Actors made use of aisles and balconies, back and side entrances, and were even projected onto a screen, creating an immersive experience.

In "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy encounters not only lions and tigers and bears, or Ozians and jitterbugs and Munchkins, but the challenges of maturation and finding one's place in society. Her eventual realization that "there's no place like home" reflects timeless themes of friendship, family and fantasy which were realized with aplomb and originality by Oakcrest School.

Syd Kirk
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Witches and wizards and munchkins, oh my! We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz at Oakcrest School's extraordinary and wondrous production of "The Wizard of Oz".

"The Wizard of Oz" has its roots in L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's novel by the name of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The book spawned its first Broadway adaptation in 1903 and has since generated many musical and play adaptations. Possibly the most well known version of the story is the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, celebrated for its revolutionary use of Technicolor. The show follows Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they are transported from Kansas to the spectacular land of Oz by twister. As Dorothy adventures through Oz in an attempt to find the Wizard and escape the Wicked Witch of the West, she finds friends in a scarecrow, a tin man, and a lion. Ultimately, Dorothy learns that good friends come from the unlikeliest places, persistence can accomplish anything, and, of course, there's no place like home.

Dorothy was played beautifully by Kiley Hatch. Hatch's sweet voice and transatlantic elocution paid homage to Judy Garland, which brought the audience back in time to the 1930s. In the show's classic and most recognizable song "Over the Rainbow," Hatch stunned with her soaring soprano vocals and never failed to leave the room breathless with awe. Dorothy's endearing nature was captured perfectly by Hatch's emotional performance during her many solo scenes. Katiebelle Thompson captivated with her performance as the nefarious Wicked Witch of the West. Thompson's spot-on cackle and fiery persona resulted in an outstanding portrayal of a character the audience loved to hate.

An array of fun, imaginative characters joined the cast to bring out the true magic of Oz. The brainless Scarecrow, heartless Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion were played by Ava Quaale, Edith Barvick, and Eli Crishock respectively. The three worked incredibly well with one another, flawlessly communicating the spirit of friendship, yet each actress offered something unique and made herself distinct from the group. Particularly notable was Crishock's adorable nervousness as the Cowardly Lion. Crishock contributed heartwarming humor to the show as the lion learns that real courage is facing your fears with friends by your side. Oakcrest's talented ensemble tackled a multitude of diverse roles to showcase the eccentric land of Oz. From cheerful munchkins to sassy crows to petulant apple trees to flying monkeys, the ensemble expertly took on the variety of characters with boundless energy and personality.

Various technical elements came together to create impressive visuals. The costumes crew, captained by Bela Wilson, helped bring the vivid color of Oz alive. There was no shortage of green in the Emerald City, and Munchkinland was a display of brilliant shades and tones. Dorothy's classic blue checkered dress and red ruby slippers paid tribute to the beloved original designs. Lighting, done by Kateri Castillo and Sofia Cipollone, got creative with colored spotlights and fun effects. The lighting during the twister scene was especially commendable as it produced a disorienting effect.

The cast and crew of Oakcrest School's The Wizard of Oz reminds us that dreams really do come true somewhere over the rainbow. All you have to do is follow the yellow brick road.

Rachel Kulp
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

With ruby slippers, yellow brick, green witches, and an iconic blue dress, the hues of the Oakcrest School's performance of the Wizard of Oz was almost as dazzling as the land over the rainbow.

Originally published in 1900 as a book by L. Frank Baum, this timeless tale was converted into a Broadway musical by 1903. In 1939, this story was transformed into the unforgettable film starring Judy Garland. Both the movie and musical follow the energetic Dorothy and her dog Toto, as they find themselves ripped from their quiet Kansas home and dropped into the enchanting land of Oz. As they travel along the yellow brick road to find the wizard that will send them home, they meet an exciting cast of characters, all searching for something, too. This crew includes the scarecrow with the missing brain, the tin man with the missing heart, and the lion missing his courage. In the end, everyone finds their heart's desire, and Dorothy ends up safe at home, just a little wiser.

Dorothy, portrayed by the exquisite Kiley Hatch, was unforgettable, especially in the song "Over the Rainbow." She seemed to float in her ruby slippers but also defended those she cared about with fearsome fervor. Her sweet voice, virtually unmistakable from the legendary Judy Garland, herself, imbued the performance with a light and fairy-like feeling.

Megan Meehan as Glinda and Katiebelle Thompson as the Wicked Witch of the West illustrated an interesting juxtaposition between the forces of light and dark. Meehan's mature and sublime voice battled Thompson's gravelly tones.

Dorothy's trio of friends, the Scarecrow (Ava Quaale), the Tin Man (Edith Barvick), and the Lion (Eli Crishock) were an extraordinary comedic team. Falling over themselves, each other, and the obstacles they met along the way, these three were truly worth watching. Each of their songs, "If I Only Had a Brain," "If I Only Had a Heart," and "If I Only Had the Nerve", were adorable and fun to watch. Another beloved song was Munchkinland, a tune full of heart and whimsy, welcoming each person in the theatre to the wonderful land of Oz.

This show did not have an orchestra, so the actors were accompanied by a pre-recorded soundtrack. This arrangement can be very challenging, as incorrect cues can disrupt the entire show. However, stage management precisely cued every song without fail, enhancing the actors' performances. The costumes for this show also contributed to the splendor of Oz, particularly Glinda's gorgeous dress and the Tin Man's glittering suit.

Oakcrest had its audience jittering and giggling throughout. Even the melancholy goodbyes at its climax could not stop its audience from leaving the theatre with grins all around. This performance could not have been more enchanting, even if Glinda had bewitched it herself.

Alannah Rivera
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to The Catholic Herald

Tighten your braids, fasten your ruby slippers, and hold on tight as Oakcrest School whisks you away to the merry old land of Oz for their upbeat production of the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz.

L. Frank Baum's timeless novel was adapted into a musical shortly after the book's publishing in 1900 and has since enjoyed several tours and residencies across the world. The world-renowned 1939 film made the story more popular than ever, leading to further adaptations for the stage and screen. This cherished tale follows doe-eyed dreamer Dorothy Gale and a quirky cast of characters through a tornado and down the yellow brick road on Dorothy's quest to return home to Kansas. Through her encounters with flying monkeys, wicked witches, and powerful wizards, Dorothy learns to listen to her brain, follow her heart, and lead with courage as she discovers that there's no place like home

Kiley Hatch's portrayal of Dorothy was absolutely darling. Hatch expertly balanced Dorothy's childlike sense of wonder with mature poise, evident in her subtle mid-western accent and impassioned vocal inflection. Her crystalline voice shone in beloved songs such as "Over the Rainbow" and "Jitterbug," and her ability to seamlessly shift between various emotions spoke to her versatility as an actress. Hatch's rendition of the role was reminiscent of Judy Garland's iconic performance, but Hatch brought her own originality to the role to make it her own.

Accompanying Dorothy on her journey, Ava Quaale, Edith Barvick, and Eli Crishock as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, respectively, was endearing and entertaining, working well as a group while still showcasing their unique personalities and brands of humor. The variety of enthralling ensembles kept scenes dynamic and complemented songs with their crisp harmonies and angelic vocalizations. Extensive choreography was performed cleanly and with boundless enthusiasm as actresses played Munchkins, Ozians, Poppies, and many other characters throughout the show.

As both Dorothy's stern Aunt Em and the elegant Glinda, Megan Meehan showed incredible composure and grace as she dexterously handled the two characters. Meehan stunned with her operatic vocals as she practically floated onstage, bringing infectious light to the stage and every actress around her. Also commendable as the Wicked Witch of the West was Katiebelle Thompson, whose ear-splitting cackle, shrill voice, and hysterical expressions made her a comedic highlight of the evening.

Spinning sets, glittering costumes, and flashing lights - oh my! - the technical crews did it all. Rotating flats moved the audience from Dorothy's farm to the yellow brick road to the effulgent Emerald City, and creative lighting intensified the mood of each scene with amazing precision. The colorful student-made costumes and inventive makeup design added a whimsical edge to the production.

Oakcrest School's performance of The Wizard of Oz was a nostalgia-filled romp that left the audience laughing and humming through the entire journey over the rainbow.

Isabella Walrath
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

One ticket for the next twister to Oz, please! Oakcrest High School's The Wizard of Oz transformed the dull plains of Kansas into the merry old land of Oz in a heartwarming and nostalgia-filled production that sent audiences over the rainbow.

Originally a book authored by L. Frank Baum in 1900, The Wizard of Oz centers around Dorothy Gale, a farm girl from Kansas, and details her excursion through the magical city of Oz. The book served as inspiration for the 1902 Broadway musical, which was revived in 1942, 1987, and 2011. The most recognized medium of the story, however, is the 1939 film starring Judy Garland; featuring an iconic black-and-white to color transition, the film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow" and Best Original Score. The story has moreover influenced a myriad of adaptations, including the 2003 Broadway musical Wicked and the 2013 Disney film Oz the Great and Powerful.

Ding, dong! The Witch may be dead, but her performance brought the show to life. As she taunted "Ring around the rosie, pocketful of spears!", the Wicked Witch of the West (Katiebelle Thompson) addressed the familiar, expected nature of the character and turned crowds on their heads with a high-energy performance that made the character captivating and fresh. With her clear characterization and iconic cackle which kept audiences on their toes, Thompson stole the show.

The Scarecrow (Ava Quaale), Tin Man (Edith Barvick), and Cowardly Lion (Eli Crishock) built off each other's energy with a natural chemistry as the unlikely trio supported Dorothy's (Kiley Hatch) endeavors into Oz. The consistency of Quaale's bent, unsupported scarecrow stance, Barvick's pin-straight posture for the metallic man, and Crishock's puffed out, lion-esque chest contributed to each character's unique persona. Most notable of the trio was Crishock; with the bark of a boxer but the bite of a baby, she perfected the act of faking confidence, and her comical turnaround from practicing her right hook to quaking behind her friends was laudable. The clarity of Crishock's voice was additionally stellar; while some struggled to properly project, Crishock was reliably crisp and enunciated.

Designer Mary Wall et al landed a major success with simple, but impressive hair, which became pivotal in denoting characters' genders among the all-female cast. Smartly designed braiding and pinning paved the subtle indication of male characters without detracting from the performance. Further emphasizing the ability and skill held by the hair design team was their careful consideration of Dorothy's hair evolution; her introductory pigtails gave the essence of Dorothy's naivety while her hair down in later scenes indicated a newfound maturity, with a simple red ribbon as a reminder of her creative spirit.

Costumes for the production, led by Bela Wilson, were additional commendable features, demonstrating clear vision and purpose in every decision. Particularly noteworthy was the beautifully diverse array of aprons and sweater vests and other pieces in Munchkinland, cultivating the message The Wizard of Oz strives to send, that a childlike joy must be preserved and protected from the monotony of life. The juxtaposition between those colorful, eclectic Munchkin costumes and the military, grayscale uniforms of the Winkies furthered that point, encouraging audiences to resist the clutches of homogeneity with vibrant individuality.

Dazzling and sparkling like ruby red slippers, Oakcrest High School's production of The Wizard of Oz functioned as a reminder that, though the yellow brick road may be long, a family with open arms awaits at the end of it.

Kristen Waagner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

In a wonderful world of munchkins and witches and jitterbugs (oh my!), one thing's for sure: we're not in Kansas anymore! Featuring an all-female cast of characters both beloved and bizarre, Oakcrest School's energetic production of an iconic musical brought audiences off to see the Wizard on a fun-filled journey to the merry old land of Oz.

"The Wizard of Oz" is a favorite of the high school theatre canon because of its many colorful characters and heartwarming message. Best known for the groundbreaking 1939 film version starring a young Judy Garland, the story is actually adapted from a children's book by L. Frank Baum, and has served as inspiration for many newer works, including the 2003 Broadway sensation "Wicked." Set first on a dreary day in Kansas, farm girl Dorothy Gale's dreams of a life over the rainbow come true when a cyclone whisks her away to a magical world filled with color, magic, and a wicked witch with a vendetta. As she embarks on an adventure to find her way home with the help of a talking Scarecrow, a sentimental Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, she discovers that she had the things she dreamed of all along, right there on her very own Kansas farm.

Wearing the famed ruby slippers and blue gingham was Kiley Hatch in a captivating homage to Judy Garland at her peak, while still putting her own twist on the classic role. Hatch's Old Hollywood affectations and dark, rich vocal timbre were perfectly suited to numbers like "Over the Rainbow," where a welcome glimpse of vulnerability shone through her headstrong exterior. Fiercely protective over her friends and family, Dorothy is truly a heroine for the ages.

Accompanying Dorothy on her journey down the yellow brick road, Ava Quaale, Edith Barvick, and Eli Crishock, as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion respectively, worked together dynamically and took on traditionally male roles with impressive gusto. Crishock was particularly fun, juxtaposing the Cowardly Lion's exaggerated bravado with his natural tenderness in "If I Only Had the Nerve" and "If I Were King of the Forest." Megan Meehan, a vision in pink as Glinda, shone with expressive vocals and a sweet demeanor, directly contrasting the despicable evil of the Wicked Witch of the West (Katiebelle Thompson). From the moment Thompson stormed onstage on her bicycle, demanding that Toto be drowned, her shrill voice and undeniably evil physicality made the audience love to hate her. A true standout, Thompson was consistent from beginning to end, making her threats to Dorothy (and her little dog too!) some of the most enjoyable moments of the night.

The prodigious and energetic ensemble handled complex harmonies and involved dances with professionalism and commitment. With lovable costumes transforming them from chattering Munchkins to swanky Ozians to stoic Winkies, they approached each scene with a noticeably different air, dancing the "Jitterbug" and attacking the characters as flying monkeys with equal prowess.

Oakcrest School's "The Wizard of Oz" brought new life to a movie musical that will last for generations to come, reminding the audience that there truly is no place like home.