Dorothy may be a little smaller than in the original, but
Gavilan College Summer Theater Arts Repertory’s production of
”
The Wizard of Oz
”
still presents a fair share of classic Oz moments.
GILROY – Dorothy may be a little smaller than in the original, but Gavilan College Summer Theater Arts Repertory’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” still presents a fair share of classic Oz moments.
Ten year old Alexa Stevens, who plays Dorothy, will share the stage this weekend with 37 young performers. She is looking forward to playing the lead role alongside best friends Danielle Gnibus, who plays the Tin-man, and Shannon Mcavoy who acts as the Cowardly Lion.
The greatest challenge for STAR’s second session is producing the show in just three weeks. The first session of the summer had an extra week to practice, four more unit leaders and more than 70 students. But no one seems to mind the smaller cast.
“I like the smaller cast because everyone gets better parts,” Dana Scribner said.
Unit leader Lisanne Villa explained that the first cast had a few extra munchkins and flying monkeys. She is always amazed that the production comes together in such a short period of time.
“During the four week session everyone has extra prep time and the kids feel more established on stage, but second session always runs smoothly and the kids are quick,” Villa said.
Although the pressure is on to memorize lines and remember the choreography, Director Jose “Pepe” Espinosa and unit leaders offer constant support.
“When they get too nervous, we remind them that they are just kids,” leader Diana Talbot said.
Zachary Fishler, 8, says the challenge is in the practice.
“You have to do the scenes over and over. We only had three weeks and it almost wears everyone out,” he said.
He knows their efforts will pay off soon enough when their family and friends applaud. His mother was going to join him for lunch after the first dress rehearsal Wednesday, but opted not to.
“She didn’t want to throw me off,” Fishler said.
The kids are also looking forward to the traditional awards ceremony. Everyone gathers together Friday afternoon before the opening performance to celebrate their hard work. The leaders present awards to each kid and entertain them with an original dance.
“The leaders get to know you really well, they are very dedicated,” 12-year-old Sarah Payne said.
The “Wizard of Oz” shows Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Gavilan College Theater. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for children under 12. Guests who wear STAR T-shirts from any year will be admitted for free. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketguys.com or call 848-4717.
