It is never easy choosing a musical that will not only be successful and fun to watch, but also one that will be just as exciting to rehearse and execute. There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration, but, all in all, the choice always comes down to what our gut tells us to choose. This year was no different as we decided to travel Over the Rainbow and truly explore how magical our world could be if we only believe.
Many of us first saw the film version of The Wizard of Oz as children, and because of our youth, we may not have fully understood the true meaning behind each of the characters’ roles. We saw a silly scarecrow in need of a brain, a stoic tinman who would do anything to have a heart again, and a cowardly lion so timid that he was afraid of his own tail. We, not unlike Dorothy, wished and hoped that these three friends would get what they desired, while we longed for Dorothy to journey home to her farm where she would be surrounded, once again, by her family. What we did not see was that all of that anticipating and yearning was for nothing because each character already possessed the qualities they were seeking to receive from the wizard. And Dorothy did indeed have her family with her, guiding and protecting her, all along. It seems, what they were really missing was the ability to believe in themselves.
Our production staff, cast, and crew are very similar to the fabulous foursome of the musical. We have doubts and fears, experience trials and tribulations, and all long to achieve a common goal. We may not be on the road to see a wizard, but we are all searching, together, for some magic. It is not until we believe in ourselves, as individuals and as a whole, that we know we are truly capable of putting on a great show. It is then that we get our brains, heart, and courage, and when we truly know where we can find our home.
Although I may have taken off the blinders of your youth regarding what this show is actually about, I still ask that you do not put aside your childhood tonight—hold tight to that idea of following a path, having a goal, and being determined. Join us on a journey of friendship and love as we Follow the Yellow Brick Road to discover just what we can accomplish and who we can truly be, once we learn to find all of the amazing qualities we have always possessed. It is truly amazing what you can accomplish If You Believe.
-Cheryl Ruiz, Director & Choreographer
