One sign of spring getting closer is the Lowell High School musical. This year’s production is The Wizard of Oz, taking place at the Lowell Performing Arts Center (LPAC). Let the high school students take you on a familiar adventure to many that’s fun for all ages as Dorothy seeks out the Wizard of Oz to help her get home. Along the way she meets new friends, has to avoid a wicked witch, and learns some lessons as well.
Singing, Dancing, and Music, Oh My!
The Wizard of Oz is expected to wow audiences with its singing, choreography, and musical accompaniment from the pit. Senior Jordyn Vriesman created all of the costumes for the show and a group of students built sets and props, and will run the soundboard, mics, and lighting. A handful of Lowell High School alumni have also assisted with set design and backstage assistance.
Director Amanita Fahrni is back for her eighth year overseeing the musical production at the high school. She says working on this play has brought her back to her childhood as she has always wanted a pair of ruby slippers. Approximately 80 students are involved on stage, behind the scenes, and in the pit.
This year’s production is pulling out all the stops technically. “We’ve altered the appearance of our stage. We fly, there are more lights than most rock concerts, we have projections, huge set pieces, ‘magic’ and so much more! It is a technical masterpiece!” comments Fahrni. Director Heidi Kolp agrees, adding, “All of the pieces are top notch.”
Nathan Masterson is the Vocal Director for the show. He is looking forward to sharing the production with the Lowell community and beyond. According to Masterson, the ensemble has a lot of singing in the show – almost as much as the leads. He loves seeing when it comes together for the group and they finally “get” a piece of music.
Masterson talks up the hard work by all involved saying, “This is going to be an incredible combination of singing, dancing, costumes, sets, staging, lights, special effects, and the pit orchestra. The students and staff have put their hearts and souls into this production and those that are able to come will be blown away by the talent and hard work seen on the stage.”
Choreographer Anna Mainero has had to juggle teaching at the high school, working at a dance studio, and choreographing the musical. However, she says the challenge has been fun and she’s happy to be involved, especially because she gets to see a group of students she doesn’t interact with everyday.
Thoughts from Students
Out of the scores of students taking part in The Wizard of Oz, a handful took the time to share why they are participating and why the community should see the production. Read their thoughts, in their own words, below.
Senior Jordyn Vriesman is the costume designer and has been a part of Mary Poppins, Freaky Friday, Sister Act.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I already decided that I would be a part of all the musicals so I would have been a part of [this] production no matter what it was.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I really love to sew and design and this production was a good fit for me because it challenged my abilities and the limits to what I thought I could achieve.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“I think people should come see this production because each member has put their heart and soul and time into making it the best production for each and every person that will watch it.”
Senior Kennedi Weed plays Tin Man and has been in Mary Poppins, Freaky Friday, and Sister Act.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I love to dance, and the musical has always appealed to me. I have been in all the musicals in my years at high school. The Wizard of Oz is a classic, and I want to be a part of the magic that will be on the stage.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“The Tin Man doesn’t have a heart, yet he is still compassionate and a good friend. I think I can relate to him because I am sometimes mistaken as cold-hearted and unemotional, but I really am caring and loving.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“People should come see The Wizard of Oz because we have all worked so hard to bring this classic to life on stage. We have our own twist, which puts this show on a new level many have not seen before.”
Sophomore Hope Kaminski is part of the ensemble and has been in Christmas in Oz, Sister Act, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Who Will Be the Next North Pole Star.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I love being on stage! I get to express myself through many different characters, and this production is one of the many opportunities Lowell Performing Arts Center offers!”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“[I like being] Jitterbug because I like messing with people.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“We’ve put so much hard work and dedication into this production! There are also so many cool things that we have never done before, so it really is something special.”
Sophomore Lexi Martin is in her first high school production.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I’ve always loved watching the past productions and I thought this year would be a good year to join.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“Everyone should come see the show because this is a fun, joy-filled show and everyone loves The Wizard Of Oz!”
Sophomore Faith Van Duinen is Aunt Em and has been in Sister Act, Christmas in the Land of Oz, Rideshare Overshare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Who Wants to Be the Next Northpole Star.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I’ve always loved acting and singing on stage and I really wanted to be a part of this production.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I can relate to Auntie Em because I am called the ‘mom’ of my friend group and I can relate to Aunt Em’s feelings of worry when Dorothy doesn’t come home.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“You should come see this production because it’s amazing!!! We have an absolutely awesome cast, crew, and directors!! The set pieces are stunning, our actors are very dedicated, and there’s so much more!! Come see the show!!”
Freshman Brylee Craycraft is part of the ensemble and this is her first high school production.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I wanted to be a part of this production because it looked like a lot of fun and also as a way for me to grow my acting skills.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I relate to my character because I feel like they are feeling some of the same emotions that I feel sometimes.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“I think that people should come to see the show because we have put so much hard work into it and it is coming along so well, and by opening night, it’s going to look amazing.”
Freshman Jillian Fabis is part of the ensemble and has been in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Who Will be the Next North Pole Star.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“My love for theatre has always overpowered all my other hobbies, for years I’ve watched the LHS theatre department perform shows that blow my mind every time. To watch the shows is an unbelievable experience but to be in them brings me even more joy. I would love to give other people the experience that’s kept me going for so long.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“As an ensemble member it gives me a chance to cheer on my fellow cast and crew mates and to watch them grow, I believe my support backstage and onstage are no different.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“This production is like no other, there are so many impressive bits and pieces. Each piece has a week’s worth of thought put into them and are brought to life right in front of your eyes. This musical has brought so many of us working backstage and onstage so much happiness and a reason to look forward to the end of the day. The excitement we feel to be producing and presenting this show is huge, from our theatre family to yours, we hope you can find your way over the rainbow to our show!”
Freshman Ania Fleszar is part of the ensemble and has been in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“Because I’ve grown up with musicals my whole life and my sisters all have been in shows either back or on stage.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I relate to my crow character because of my nonstop chatter.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“Because everyone has put in so much work to bring this show to life, and it’s really paying off. Wizard of Oz is a classic that every generation can enjoy and I think this is a good way to share it with younger kids who haven’t been exposed to it yet.”
Freshman Josie Hackett is Munchkin Mayor, a poppy, a flying monkey, and an Ozian and has not been in any previous productions.
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I relate to the Munchkin Mayor because they always try to act like they have everything under control and don’t ask for help. I feel that I relate heavily to them, I have a very hard time asking for help when I need it.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“You have to come to this musical for the nostalgia! If you ever watched The Wizard Of Oz as a kid you know how special it truly is, so come relive it in person! This production is absolutely colorful and there is so much spectacular special tech throughout the show! Everyone that’s a part of this production has worked so very hard and it shows! I can’t wait for you to see it!”
Freshman Sarah Harper is Tough Kid (Munchkin), Poppy, Monkey, and Ozian and has been in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I find that all of the characters I play seem to have an ominous or rough presentation. On the outside they seem guarded or closed off, but on the inside there could be an entirely different person and story behind their facade. I feel like anyone can relate to that on some sort of level one way or another. And sometimes looks can be quite deceiving.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“You might have seen the movie version of The Wizard of Oz, but it’s nothing like being there to witness it in real life. Instead of looking at a screen you can come to watch the magic take place. It’ll feel like you’re teleported to the wonderful land of Oz. Filled with raw emotion and a scene or two that weren’t even included in the movie. Cast, crew, and pit have all poured our hearts into this performance. And we’d love to show our audience how much we love what we do. Plus we have a few tricks up our sleeves that might just blow your mind, or Dorothy into Oz again.”
Freshman Vivyenne Skinner is part of the ensemble and this is her first production at the high school.
Why did you decide to be part of this production?
“I wanted to be a part of something, especially being a freshman. And I’ve always loved the arts.”
Why do you feel you’re a good fit for your role?
“I think that being a monkey is super fun. I relate to the character because they’re kind of all over the place and crazy, just like almost any high schooler.”
Why do you think people should come to see this production?
“It’s such a good production, and we’ve all put so much time and effort for everyone. We hope to see you there!”
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Opening night for The Wizard of Oz at the LPAC is March 4 at 7pm. Performances will take place over the course of two weekends.
“It is important for the community to see how hard these students have worked despite the challenges of Covid, exams, etc. They’ve really poured their hearts into the show and we could all use a little bit of that compassion,” states Mainero.
Those who have worked in any capacity on this show are eager to perform in front of an audience at the LPAC located at 11700 Vergennes. Show dates are March 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 7pm and March 6 at 2pm. Tickets for in person viewing or streaming can be purchased here.
Photos courtesy of Lowell Performing Arts Center and used with permission.
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