Following the yellow brick road may prove rigorous but not impossible for the cast and crew of The Wizard of Oz on March 12 - 14

Special effects, flying techniques, and set construction are a few examples of the challenges the Thespians face to launch this major production.

“They’re (special effects crew) doing a lot of special effects, especially with the Wizard,” senior Sierra Murray said. “I’m flying, the Wicked Witch of the West is flying, and it’s all confusing at first. But I know the drama department and the cast and crew will definitely pull it off. They always do.”

Junior Mackenzie Hassee will play one of the most familiar characters and be on stage most of the time. She intends to live up to the ruby slippers she has been given and claimed the rest of the cast should be as determined to wow the audience.

“I play Dorothy, and I can’t wait for people to see this musical,” Hassee said. “I think that Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Davis have done a great job in casting for this play, and I wouldn’t change any person for their character.”

Along with technical challenges, the actors must live up to audience expectations as they bring a movie that has stood the test of time to a high school stage, according to Murray.

“When the audience hears that a high school is doing The Wizard of Oz, they automatically assume that it is based off of the movie, which ours is, but not everything is exact,” Murray said. “The changes that have been made for this production will surprise the audience, and I know that they’ll get a kick out of some of the changes.”

Mr. Phil Jackson, set construction director, is in charge of some of the special effects as well as all of the sets.

“We’re going to try to have a 6 ft. hourglass,” Mr. Jackson explained. “We’re also going to try to have a crystal ball, a bubble for the good witch that she will actually be inside. She will be floating all over the stage, and when her scene is over, she is going to be flown up in the air and off the stage.”

Meanwhile, band and choir members must live up to their parts to ensure the musical aspect of the performance it top notch. Mrs. Becky Davis, choir teacher, is in charge of the band and choir.

“My responsibilities are to be in charge of the instrumentals, to teach the singers for choir and to perfect the pit orchestra,” Mrs. Davis said. “I am also in charge of the ushers and oversee anything in that area.”