The Wizard of Oz
at Cincinnati Christian High School

Reviewed on March 7, 2020

Piper Chatman
Taylor High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 1

"The Wizard of Oz," an iconic Hollywood musical, is one of the most well-known movies of all time, but having been based on the classic story written in 1900, its challenge lies in remaining relevant to modern audiences. However, those who followed the yellow brick road to Cincinnati Christian High School's production saw new life breathed into the age-old tale.

On a Kansas farm at the turn of the century, a young girl named Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves caught in a tornado. Swept away to the magical land of Oz, they set off on a journey to find the illustrious Wizard of Oz to ask for his help in finding a way home. Along the way, they meet Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion who quickly become trusted friends. Though the Wicked Witch of the West is determined to stop them, the friends' quick thinking and determination leads them to the Wizard and a newfound appreciation for the inner strength they had all along. John Kane's adaptation of L. Frank Baum's story added modern aesthetics and avant-garde approaches, which were all magnificently present in Cincinnati Christian's production.

Every cast member had an accent or mannerism that differentiated them from each other. The modernized dialogue and student-led choreography added humor that was absent in the original movie, and the crew's efficient set and lighting changes allowed for smooth transitions between scenes.

As the female lead, Abby Bowling portrayed Dorothy similarly to Judy Garland's memorable version from the 1939 film adaptation, but she relied on her own talent to distinguish herself. Her emotional range was immediately revealed, changing from optimistic to desperate in a matter of minutes. The male lead, Zachary Schlake, played the clumsy, yet affable character of Scarecrow perfectly. His flowing movements and endearing tone made for a masterful performance. Schlake's ability to perform choreography as a believable strawman while maintaining the dialect while singing demonstrated his genuine talent.

Other noteworthy roles included Andrew Crane as Tinman and Olivia Reese as the Wicked Witch. Crane's robotic movements and skilled line delivery made for a marvelous performance. Reese was a never-ending stream of delight, as her quips and laughs beguiled the audience. She perfectly captured the audacious character that is the Wicked Witch by engaging those in attendance throughout "The Jitterbug." Her commitment to the role was flawless, and her placement served to showcase her strength without detracting from the action on stage. The cast's dedication to their individual roles differentiated this production from others. In particular, Cowardly Lion's difficult accent seemed natural, and her singing was delightful. In the second act, the Winkie Chorus stole the show with their hilarious speaking tone and allegiance to Dorothy after she'd slain the Wicked Witch.

Cincinnati Christian's devoted crew came together to produce elegant audiovisual elements. Each setting was established with speed and ease due to the ingenious idea of having a three-piece mobile set. Props were placed efficiently by the stage crew. Lighting designer Jacob Brown created a realistic and, when required, intense tone for each scene. Although there was some feedback coming from the actors' mics, the decisive thinking of the sound crew's Emma Harrison quickly resolved the issue. The costumes added another layer of originality, with each one having a different texture, color, and shape.

The talents of individual cast and crew members resulted in an overall spectacular show. Cincinnati Christian's production of "The Wizard of Oz" appealed to familiar audiences while tantalizing newer audiences with its up-to-date references.

Mia Karlsson
William Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 10

"The Wizard of Oz" is a timeless tale of looking inside yourself for the gifts you never knew you had. Cincinnati Christian High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" was a true gift to the audience, delivering a wonderful blend of comedic and heart-tugging moments with a steampunk renovation.

"The Wizard of Oz" follows Dorothy Gale (played by Abby Bowling ) and her dog Toto as they get transported from Kansas to The Emerald City in hopes of returning to Kansas. On their way, they meet a cast of characters searching for something of their own; for the Scarecrow (played by Zachary Schlake ) a brain, for the Tinman , ( played by Andrew Crane ) a heart, and for the Cowardly Lion , (Played by Hannah Marcum ) courage. On their adventure, they encounter some helpful friends such as Glinda the Good Witch (played by Chloe Sammond) and a dangerous enemy, The Wicked Witch of the West (Played by Olivia Reese ). In the end, they all learn a valuable lesson about finding themselves.

This production was a professional-quality representation of high school theatre, Bowling had the perfect demeanor and accent for Dorothy , completely fitting the character she took over. The chemistry with her co-leads, Schlake , Crane , and Marcum was genuine. The care and dedication to the cause shown were awe-worthy and unable to be faked from the introductions to the final goodbye. However, the real showstopper was Olivia Reese as The Wicked Witch of the West . She truly stole every moment she was on stage, as both Miss Gulch and The Wicked Witch ; her voice fit both characters like a glove. Reese's performance of "The Jitterbug" was phenomenal, creating suspense for the number and left an overwhelming feeling of Awe. It was a remarkable performance that instilled a feeling of fear that the character is meant to radiate.

The Tech for the show was also remarkable. The tower for the melting scene was remarkably done, a smooth exit that looked entirely realistic. The utilization of Marcum's hair for the lion's ears was smart and simple without taking anything from the character's appearance. The scene change from Kansas to Oz was wonderfully choreographed by Leah Perry , Margaux Heid and Olivia Mayleben in a way that didn't take away from the production. The attention to detail was perfect, and the immersive decision to have the yellow brick road run through the audience was perfectly executed.

Overall, Cincinnati Christian Schools's production of "The Wizard of Oz" was a wonderful showcase of what high school theater is capable of and how it can succeed.

Matthew Eggers
Walnut Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 2

As the lights dim, the face of a boy in the back row lights up with excitement of the story about to unfold. Luckily enough, " The Wizard of Oz" is synonymous with classic American cinema, so to make even the parents smile with the nostalgia of watching it for the first time. But this is hardly luck. Rather, a village of actors, technicians, and one dog are needed to make this dream become a reality. Cincinnati Christian High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" captured the essence of the timeless beauty this show exudes.

Originally written as a novel by L. Frank Baum at the turn of the 20th century, "The Wizard of Oz" follows Dorothy Gale, a doe-eyed girl, accidently traveling via tornado from her family farm in Kansas to the technicolor world of Oz. Dorothy follows the yellow brick road in an attempt to find help getting home but meets some new friends and one green-skinned enemy in the Wicked Witch of the West. Through her fabulous journey, Dorothy is able to learn the importance of finding a family that will support you, even when the world is a hopeless jumble.

Leading the production across the yellow brick road, Abby Bowling as Dorothy Gale took each step with naive apropos. Her soft diction combined with her gliding voice, allowed for Bowling to effortlessly display the wistful melancholy that serves as the driving force for the story. Bowling also did an amazing job of balancing Dorothy's ranges of emotion from defiant to desperate to delighted, using each facial expression at the right time. But with each step Dorothy took, Olivia Reese, as the Wicked Witch, pushed back with gravitas and ear-ringing cackles. Reese's performance was enchanting. Combining a nasal character voice and witchy physicality, Reese performed professionally, giving her character a brassiness with the power of a bugle horn.

Although Dorothy leads the way, the supporting and ensemble characters did an amazing job of maintaining a buoyant tempo in their scenes through strong characterizations and hilarious delivery. For instance, Hannah Marcum as the Cowardly Lion, a friend Dorothy makes on her journey, does an amazing job of strategically utilizing her voice and comedic timing. With an exaggerated Brooklyn accent, Marcum balanced her vocal quality and hilarious voice to be able to sing to the rafters and maintain that iconic accent despite sound difficulties. Another standout was Preston Rosenberg as the Mayor of Munchkinland. Rosenberg had a strong character voice and physicalization that accurately represented the Munchkins as a whole.

With more than ten unique settings, one of the most successful parts of this production was the set design. Thanks to Austin Whitton, Derrick Bowman, Alex Bertram, and thirteen other fantastic technicians, the simplistic, yet shockingly effective rotating rectangle set provided perfect backgrounds for each scene. While also working tandem with stage management (Olivia Mayleben and Isabelle Armour), scene changes moved with an efficiency one would expect from professional theatre.

As the cast took their final bow, the ensemble laughed and smiled with high-fives and fist-bumps to spare. It was wonderful to see how strong the cast bond appeared to be. This demonstrates the success of Cincinnati Christian High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz," proving that home is with those you love right beside you.

Lucy Lawler
Saint Ursula Academy
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 3

Since 1900, "The Wizard of Oz" has been an American treasure. Even so, the story's identity is relentlessly disputed; is it a mere fairytale? A political allegory? Whatever the answer, Cincinnati Christian's production verified the tale's universality.

Dorothy Gale is an ordinary girl residing with her aunt and uncle in rural Kansas . Feeling lonely, she longs to travel over the rainbow; as if on cue, a tumultuous twister whisks the heroine away to the mythical Land of Oz . Determined to return, Dorothy and her dog Toto ) make fast friends: a scarecrow, tin man, and cowardly lion. Together, the ragtag group seeks out the "wonderful" wizard. Amongst ruby slippers and wicked witches, Dorothy realizes the true meaning of home.

Cincinnati Christian offered an ardent and aesthetic performance. The cast and crew were zealous, and their fierce energy mirrored that of any tornado. Contemporary elements (such as TikTok trends and fairy lights) heightened the musical's cultural status. With a fresh lens, CCS Theatre created an avant-garde work of art.

From Judy Garland to Zooey Deschanel , several actresses have depicted Dorothy Gale . In Cincinnati Christian's retelling, Abby Bowling donned the gingham gown. Bowling exhibited a child-like naiveté, but she also matured in accordance with her character. Conveying compassion and courage, she guided the plot with undeniable charm. Zachary Schlake, as Hunk/The Scarecrow , was neither stuffy nor corny. The actor was wonderfully expressive; furthermore, his exaggerated facials and vocals affirmed his character's sociability.

Oz was also colored by the unique supporting cast. Olivia Reese portrayed the infamous Ms. Gulch/Wicked Witch , bringing exhilarating terror to the stage. Reese's audience antics in "Jitterbug," along with her powerful voice, established her as a lovable villain. Andrew Crane (Hickory/Tinman) and Hannah Marcum (Zeke/Cowardly Lion) were equally charismatic, travelling down the yellow brick road with humor and heart. The large ensemble upheld the fantasy: scarlet poppies, dainty snowflakes, and whimsical Winkies added a sense of constant vitality. The munchkins, played by CCS's elementary students, hinted at the production's appeal to all ages.

The show's technical features were certainly magical. The set team, led by Austin Whitton , developed a striking, steampunk visual aesthetic. In lieu of a bubble, Glinda resided in a gorgeous swing carefully adorned with flowers, fabrics, and twinkling lights. Other daunting pieces, such as the witch's tower and Dorothy's bedroom, were both mobile and magnificent. Olivia Mayleben (senior) and Margaux Heid (freshman) choreographed with enthusiasm, visible especially through the lifts and flips of "Jitterbug" and "Poppies." The stage crew's proficiency was also impressive, as they conducted scene changes in a fluid manner that never disrupted the action. Isabelle Armour transcended her stage manager duties by hand-painting each square on the yellow brick road.

Sacrificing imitation for ingenuity, Cincinnati Christian effectively revamped an American classic.

Juli Russ
Highlands High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 4

In an adventure like no other, prepare to travel somewhere over the rainbow with the cast and crew of Cincinnati Christian School's modern rendition of "The Wizard of Oz."

The classic tale, originally written in 1900, has been subject to various adaptations over the past century. None have been as pervasive as the 1939 film adaptation in which Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, are swept away in a tornado. Together, and with the help of a few new pals they find along the way, she learns that the way back to Kansas is not the Yellow Brick Road or the magic of the Wizard of Oz, but rather the love she holds in her own heart.

Cincinnati Christain School did an absolutely stellar job bringing "The Wizard of Oz" to life onstage. With a variety of impressive technical elements, as well as a talented cast of actors and actresses, their performance did not disappoint.

Many people have played the role of Dorothy Gale, but few can pull off the child-like curiosity and playful wisdom that she possesses so perfectly. However, Abby Bowling truly embodied her spirit perfectly. In addition, the live dog accompanying her, named Mack Clark, really helped to develop her character arc in a realistic way. The vocal talents of Olivia Reese in her role as the Wicked Witch were unmatched, and she made her most memorable debut in the song "The Jitterbug ." Hannah Marcum, in her role as the Cowardly Lion, provided a great comedic edge to the stage.

The technical elements present in the show were also impressive, specifically, the efficiency of the stage crew led by Olivia Mayleben and Isabelle Armour. This led to absolutely seamless transitions throughout the show. Many of these transitions could not have been made possible without the clever design of the set which allowed for various pieces to serve different purposes. In addition, the student choreography (Olivia Mayleben, Margaux Heid) shown throughout was unbelievable and demonstrated the passion and hard work that was clearly put into this production.

The Cincinnati Christian School's production proved successful in transporting the audience to the world of Oz.

Kelly Oberst
Larry A. Ryle High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 5

The timeless story of the girl who realizes that there's no place like home and the three friends she makes along the way came to life in a truly spectacular and magical way in Cincinnati Christian Schools' production of "The Wizard of Oz." With an extremely talented cast and crew, the musical was brought to life in a brand new and creative refashioning that gave onlookers a new perspective on a classic tale.

In this modernized version of the original 1942 and 1987 movie retellings for the stage, Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto wind up in the wonderful world of Oz after a tornado spins their house there from Kansas. She soon embarks on a journey to find the Wizard of Oz and get home to her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. During her adventure on the Yellow Brick Road, she befriends Scarecrow, who wishes for a brain; Tinman, who hopes for a heart; and Lion, who needs some courage. After braving many challenges such as escaping the Jitterbugs, outsmarting the Winkie Chorus, and defeating the Wicked Witch of the West, the four friends ultimately find that they already possessed everything they wanted and more, and simply had to discover that for themselves.

Gracing the stage as the sweet and lively Dorothy was Abby Bowling. Bowling's beautiful vocals and stunning approach to her character made her a spectacular leading lady. She also worked closely with puppy Mack Clark, who portrayed Toto, in order to make their performance together a genuine one. In his portrayal of Dorothy's first friend in Oz, Zachary Schlake was funny and convincing as the unexpectedly intuitive Scarecrow and also as Hank. Andrew Crane was wonderful as Hickory and the Tinman and played his principle character's compassionate nature, despite not having a heart, with ease. Hannah Marcum also showed immense talent in her hilarious playing of the Cowardly Lion and her secondary role as Zeke.

Other notable character portrayals included that of Olivia Reese who was show-stopping as Miss Almira Gulch, and especially, as the Wicked Witch. Her mannerisms, accent, and singing ability made for a powerful performance throughout the show, and most notably, during "The Jitterbug" number. Furthermore, Chloe Sammond was impressive as the bubbly and bright Glinda, while Austin Whitton was entertaining as Professor Chest Marvel and the Wizard of Oz. The various ensembles, as a whole, were extremely
energetic throughout which made for an even better performance.

Led by the hard-work of stage managers Isabelle Armour and Olivia Mayleben, the production crew proved to be both innovative and skilled. Austin Whitton, Derrick Bowman, Alex Bertram and other crew members designed and constructed many impressive set pieces with Glinda's swing and the witch's tower being two stand-outs. On the hair and makeup crew was Olivia Mayleben, Liberty Koehling, and Macy DePew whose use of both editorial and Avante Garde techniques made for several stylish looks. Most of the show was brilliantly student-choreographed by Olivia Mayleben and Margaux Heidand also student-advertised through the work and designs of Chloe Halsey.

"The Wizard of Oz" is a story that has been remembered and loved for decades and through Cincinnati Christian Schools' retelling, the comedy, friendships, and lessons that make it something everyone can relate to was brought to life in a way that was distinctive and memorable in its own respect.

Elizabeth Volk
Saint Ursula Academy
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 6

When picturing "The Wizard of Oz," countless whimsical images come to mind: Dorothy's red ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, the Emerald City, and… TikTok dances? Cincinnati Christian Schools' imaginative production combined the classic tale with modern references to create a unique show.

Adapted from the 1939 movie with Judy Garland, this version honors the film's inventive spirit. Dorothy Gale is still trying to find her way home after being transported to Oz during a tornado, but her journey now includes breaking the fourth wall and alluding to "The Lion King ." The Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion accompany her along the way, hoping for a brain, heart, and courage respectively. However, due to the Wizard's mysterious nature and the Wicked Witch of the West's wrath, the travelers' mission is no cakewalk.

Cincinnati Christian's production was anchored by the company's creativity. Instead of simply copying the movie, the cast put their own spin on the characters. The crew also beautifully created the colorful world of Oz through their attention to detail and innovative design choices.

Leading the cast as Dorothy was Abby Bowling. She embodied Dorothy's childishness, from her hope of a place existing "Over the Rainbow" to her unwavering devotion to her dog Toto. Olivia Reese superbly contrasted her as the Wicked Witch. With her evil cackle and fanatical expressions, she dominated the stage. While trapping the travelers with "The Jitterbug," her powerful vocals stood out, as did her hilarious asides.

The three travelers who accompanied Dorothy functioned well as a unit but also showcased their own individual strengths. As the Scarecrow, Zachary Schlake bumbled around the stage after being freed, effectively creating a unique posture for the Scarecrow. Andrew Crane similarly matched his uptight demeanor to the Tinman's lack of a heart. Rounding out the group as the Lion was Hannah Marcum, whose melodic voice made her desires to be a brave king heartfelt. Working with live animals onstage is difficult, but the entire company used Mack Clark's adorable performance as Toto to their advantage, even improvising lines when the dog would bark.

Brilliantly making the fantastical world of Oz come alive were the technical elements. While simplistic, the sets, which were designed and built by Austin Whitton, Derrick Bowman, Alex Bertram and crew, transported the audience into Oz with Dorothy. The hand-drawn yellow brick road wrapped throughout the auditorium, and a flowery swing moved Glinda around. The set crew also constructed three towers that rotated to form different locations, an ingenious idea that made scene changes efficient. Olivia Mayleben, Liberty Koehling, and Macy DePew designed distinctive hair and makeup looks for each character and ensemble member. Some highlights were the Wicked Witch's crazily-teased hair and the Lion's mane and ears which were fashioned from Marcum's hair.

Overall, Cincinnati Christian Schools enlivened the vibrant world of "The Wizard of Oz" through their original take on the story. By mixing traditional aspects with unexpected modern references, they brought Dorothy and her friends into the twenty-first century.

Caitlin Boutwell
Ursuline Academy
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 7

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Cincinnati Christian School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" brought the fantastical show to life, reminding everyone that there's no place like home.

Based off of the 1900 book and 1939 Technicolor film, "The Wizard of Oz" follows the heroine, Dorothy Gale, as she leaves her ordinary hometown in Kansas and journeys to the mystical land of Oz. Along the way, she meets beloved characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. The quartet, however, encounters conflict when the Wicked Witch interferes and prevents Dorothy from returning home.

Cincinnati Christian's production is encapsulated by the time and work put in by all students. The cast and crew overcame long rehearsals and technical hiccups to showcase talent that spanned beyond the land of Oz.

The strength of the cast was upheld by the four leads. Abby Bowling as Dorothy Gale shined everywhere she walked, with and without the bright ruby slippers. Zachary Schlake as Hunk/Scarecrow and Andrew Crane as Hickory/Tin Man brought tears of laughter to the show. Schalke's crossed arms and Crane's shaking legs produced giggles yet remained true to their development while putting their own twist on the beloved characters. Hannah Marcum as Zeke/Cowardly Lion stood out with her distinct voice and timid movements. Overall, the quartet was stronger together than apart as each character learned to accept their flaws and seek comfort in the friendships they built.

Other outstanding performers included Olivia Reese as Miss Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch. She particularly stood out during "The Jitterbug" song with her asides while the ensemble danced through lifts and spins. Chloe Sammond, as Glinda, contrasted the Wicked Witch's menacing laugh with her wise presence.

The Wicked Witch and Tin Man were easy to distinguish due to the work of hair and make-up of Olivia Mayleben, Liberty Koehling and Macy DePew. The two characters' green and silver skin remained consistent throughout the show despite the strenuous choreography. Choreography by Olivia Mayleben and Margaux Heid brought the whimsical world of Oz to life. "If I Only Had a Heart" showcased the tapping Tin Man while "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!" highlighted the cute Munchkins. Each dance meshed well with not only the music, but the characters and actors singing it as well.

Cincinnati Christian Schools succeeded in producing a wonderful production of "The Wizard of Oz" that emulated the classic story while adding modern elements, making it unique and unable to be replicated.

Ainsley Helling
Ross High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 8

Following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, you will find a young girl with a dog, a scarecrow that has come to life, a man made out of tin, and a lion that is anything but ferocious. As these four unique friends seek the great and powerful Oz, they find themselves among whimsical creatures, some friends, and some foes that make for an entrancing journey. Cincinnati Christian School's modern production of "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum caused laughter and reminiscence about this notorious childhood classic.

The broadway-worthy theatrics of the Wicked Witch, played by Olivia Reese , effortlessly captivated the audience. From her wickedly green skin and chaotic hair to her perfected witch's cackle, Reese's execution of this infamous character exceeded expectations of a high school performance. Along with her exquisite demonstration of a truly evil character, Reese's superior vocals were the ideal addition to an already bewitching performance.

Along with the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy's newfound companions, the Scarecrow (Zachary Schlake) , the Tinman (Andrew Crane) , and the Cowardly Lion (Hannah Marcum) , brought both comic-relief and sincerity that continually advanced the plot. Each performer encapsulated the appropriate disposition of his or her character. Schlake's clumsiness, Crane's tap dancing, and Marcum's persistent fear parallel the original movie and remained entertaining throughout the entire show.

Despite the phenomenal performances of each cast member, the show would not be complete without the technical additions and creative props. The cast cleverly walked through the audience to distract viewers from necessary scene changes which were extremely smooth and efficient. In addition to this, lighting choices, such as a green hue as the Wicked Witch appeared and the illusory storm derived from twister-like lights and intentional shadows, made the setting appear substantially realistic.

Cincinnati Christian School's rendition of "The Wizard of Oz" provided more than just a glance at the Emerald City; the journey passed aggressive apple trees, potent Poppies, and jazzy Jitterbugs, ending in the realization that we all are predisposed to the ability to attain our greatest goals. We must look at things from a new perspective as the characters in Oz did, in order to get the brain, heart, or courage we need.

Maya Batshoun
Notre Dame Academy
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 9

Lively, entertaining, captivating: these are just a few words that can describe Cincinnati Christian Schools' production of The Wizard of Oz." This staging of the 2011 Harold Alren and E.Y. Harburg adaptation breathed life into the modern references and artistic freedom the script offers.

"The Wizard of Oz" is a timeless classic based off of the book series by L. Frank Baum. The story of Dorothy Gale and her band of friends has seen many adaptations in many forms of media throughout the years. With so many versions of the story available, it is difficult to create a unique portrayal; however, Cincinnati Christian Schools gracefully rose to the challenge. The world their production created was unlike any the audience had seen before. Every element of the show worked perfectly together to pull the audience in and keep them entertained until the final bow. Not only was the cast bursting at the seams with strong performances in the principal roles, but the ensembles also created many stand-out moments that helped elevate the atmosphere of the show. In addition, the student choreography by Olivia Mayleben and Margaux Heid marked every song as a memorable performance.

The principal roles were all extremely well- executed. Abby Bowling lead the cast as Dorothy. Her poise and delivery made her a joy to watch, and her ability to seamlessly work with a young puppy at her side for the entirety of the show is a testament to her talent. The Scarecrow (Zachary Schlake), Tinman (Andrew Crane), and Cowardly Lion (Hannah Marcum) were all brought to life beautifully. Individually, each of these actors gave spectacular performances, but the true joy came in watching their energetic chemistry on stage and the way each of them bounced off one another. Additionally, Olivia Reese perfectly embodied the role of the Wicked Witch. She brought the classic villain to life in a refreshing light that made her performance a joy to watch.

For all the accomplishments of the cast, there were just as many on the technical side. The stage management (Isabelle Armour and Olivia Mayleben) and stage crew carried out every scene transition quickly and effortlessly, only adding to the quality of the show. The makeup and hair team (Macy DePew, Liberty Koehling, and Olivia Mayleben) perfectly created the facade for the interesting characters in Oz, especially in the design of the Wicked Witch's (Olivia Reese) makeup and the Cowardly Lion's (Hannah Marcum) hair.

Cincinnati Christian Schools' take on "The Wizard of Oz" was nothing if not refreshing and bursting with talent.