I am extremely proud of this cast and crew for bringing L. Frank Baum’s story to life on stage. This is my eleventh year at the high school, and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved with this production. From my amazing co-workers to the cast and crew members of The Wizard of Oz, to their parents and supporters, this group of theatre lovers has dedicated large amounts of their time to making sure each production is their best. I am so proud of the students in this show because they have spent countless hours rehearsing and practicing their roles in order to make this show a success. I chose this production because this magical story has been a way to explore themes of friendship between strangers; of journey and home; of humans flourishing against the odds stacked against them. Nothing in life is deemed more important than the love, care and needs of human beings (and, of course, tin beings, straw beings, lions, and dogs. L. Frank Baum wanted his story to be one of pleasure, curiosity, and fun. I feel that our theatre company did just that with this production. The Wizard of Oz has been staged for the theatre countless times in various forms such as The Wiz and Wicked. It has inspired countless films and television programs as well as musical artists who used these famous characters and themes in their music videos. The 1939 MGM film interpretation of the 1900 published book written by L. Frank Baum, brought this story to life for all of those who were unable to go to the 1902 stage performance. I’ll never forget watching the movie for the first time. Seeing the screen turn from black and white, to beautiful, stunning colors was amazing. Hearing Judy Garland as Dorothy sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for the first time, left me with a lasting memory. It was as if I felt what she was feeling at that moment; that there was a better place somewhere out there- somewhere over the rainbow. Most people have been able to relate to at least one character in this story, whether it was the Scarecrow in need of a brain, the Tin Man in need of a heart, or the Cowardly Lion, in need of courage. The obvious message of the story is that there is no place like home. The quality of our cast and production crew members in this show is truly outstanding. What makes this production successful is not only what is presented on stage, but the cooperation, mutual respect, level of commitment, and the teamwork that has been demonstrated by everyone involved in this production. I would personally like to thank a few people who have truly made an impact on this production.
Kyle – Thank you for your constant support, I honestly could not have done this without you. You have been my rock through all of this and I love you so much for letting me do what I love most ~ bringing stories to life on stage.
Kaleb – This show is for you – I want you to see the world the way Dorothy sees it and I want you to live your life how Dorothy does – be that individual in life who has “motivating will (fire)” who always tries to help their companions
achieve their goals. Don’t be afraid to follow your own yellow brick road.
Kris and Scott – Thank you for being the best supportive parents any daughter could ask for. You two are always there to help whenever I ask for it. Thank you for also being amazing grandparents and caregivers to Kaleb.
Jan and Rocky – Thank you for helping me with my son and taking care of our home while I have spent many hours preparing for this production, I could not have done this without your love and support. Jan, I hope you love this interpretation of one of your favorite films/stories.
Rory – Thank you for your countless hours of labor that you have put into this show in building these sets. I couldn’t have asked for a better design partner, you always say yes to anything I ask for and I truly appreciate it.
Michael and Steven – Without your support and belief in our performing arts department, we never would be able to perform The Wizard of Oz. I can’t thank you both enough for helping us throughout this production and giving us so much of what we needed to make this show a success.
Ryliegh – Thank you for always being there for me every step of the way and always offering your assistance. This show would not have been as successful without your unique talents and thoughtful input with the production and during
every rehearsal. I don’t know what I would do without you by my side. You were always there to step up as a leader when I needed you to be and never said no once.
Ari – Thank you for your dedication to this long and productive rehearsal process. You are my eyes and ears backstage and this show would not run as smoothly as it does without you there to make it happen. Even though getting to zero period was a struggle, your constant help throughout these last few months has been incredibly helpful.
Analiya and Stephanie - Thank you for taking your time in helping with the headshots for the playbill. The photos came out amazing! Thank you for also putting together such a touching documentary on our rehearsal process. I couldn’t have done this without your help.
Lastly, I hope that you all follow your own yellow brick road, just as Dorothy does!
Sincerely,
Allyson Boylan
Department Chair for the Performing Arts
Theatre Director
Palm Springs High School
