By Khalida Sarwari
Monkeys will be zooming around on roller skates and RipStiks, rolling across a stage illuminated with lasers and strobe lights while rock ‘n’ roll music plays in the background.
Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.
And folks, this is not your parents’ or grandparents’ Wizard of Oz. The performing arts department at Westmont High School is reprising the classic, but with a twist.
“It’s the story of Wizard of Oz, but it’s given a contemporary–if not futuristic–feel,” said Jeff Bengford, director of Westmont’s performing arts department.
The students chose to bring back The Wiz, which initially premiered at Westmont about 11 years ago, because they were attracted to the “family-oriented big musical fantasy” aspect of the show.
“It’s just a super fun show,” Bengford said. “It’s got a positive message: the power of friendship, the power of believing in yourself.”
Since the beginning of January, about 70 students have dedicated 21 hours a week to the high school’s latest production. As soon as their roles were cast in December, the actors began practicing lines and dance numbers, while the crew has been building sets and making costumes. Meanwhile, the student technical staff has been designing the sets, costumes, lights, sound and props. Bengford called the process a “huge puzzle” that all comes together in the end.
“Yes, they’re being artists, but they’re also learning leadership and collaborative skills as well,” Bengford said. “I’m very, very proud of the work that they do.”
The sets consist of seven platforms, each with an LED screen that changes the color of the set.
Audiences can expect to see “lots of really fantastic special effects,” said Bengford, including lasers.
The school spent $13,000 on the show. Bengford said he hopes the community puts the school back in the black by coming out to see the show.
The Wiz runs March 30-31 and April 5-7. Weekday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Westmont High School Performing Arts Center, 4805 Westmont Ave. On Saturdays, March 31 and April 7, the show will start at 2 p.m.
Tickets range from $8 to $15, depending on seating, and can be purchased atwww.westmontdrama.com.
For more information about the show, call 408.626.3406, ext. 6203.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ never looked like this–‘The Wiz’ comes to Westmont
