Off to see the wizard
Published 11:31 am Monday, March 5, 2012
Dorothy (Ashley Harrington), the Tin Man (Jake Reinartz) and the Scarecrow (Elyan Kaercher) meet the Cowardly Lion (Sarah Eich) for the first time during rehearsal for the Ellis Middle School production of “The Magical Land of Oz.” The play will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday with tickets costing $5 for adults, $2 for students. Kids five and younger get in free.
Ellis Middle School prepares for Saturday performance
Ellis Middle School students have followed the yellow brick road for the past month and a half to get to this week, and they’re ready for action.
Glinda (Emma O'Conner) and the Wicked Witch of the West (Nicole Schoen) square off during rehearsal.
Ellis will present “The Magical Land of Oz” Thursday and Friday. The play, based on “The Wizard of Oz” by Frank Baum, features Kansas schoolgirl Dorothy in her journey to get home.
“The kids, they just work so hard,” said co-director Julie Walski. “They’re really talented.”
This performance is the swang song for Walski and co-director Erin Schoen, both Austin teachers. Walski decided to step down after eight years of directing, and Schoen did the same after 11 years.
“It’s just time to let somebody else take the reins,” Walski said.
That means the performance is that much better, with gorgeous costumes and scenery along with big musical numbers like “The Jitterbug,” which Walski said is a scene to look out for.
“The Magical Land of Oz” starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, and Friday, March 9. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students and children age 5 or younger get in free.
