playbill vip

Somewhere over the rainbow lies a story that has captured hearts for generations and tonight our young performers bring it to life with their own brains, heart, and courage. There is a reason The Wizard of Oz has endured over the years. At its core, it is a story about belonging, friendship, and discovering that the qualities we seek are often already within us. Tonight, our students share that timeless journey with you.

One of the most meaningful lessons of this story is that “home” is not simply a place. It is the people who encourage us, cheer us on, and stand beside us. Our rehearsal room has been that kind of home filled with laughter, hard work, and a shared sense of purpose.

I am so proud of every student involved in this production. Each performer, whether center stage or part of the ensemble, has played an important role in bringing Oz to life.

Thank you to our families and volunteers for the time, energy, and love you have poured into this experience. And thank you to the audience for being here to celebrate the dedication and joy of these young performers.

We hope you enjoy the show and that you leave reminded that the very qualities we admire most are often already inside us.

~ Matthew Farina

The Cast and Crew of The Wizard of Oz - Youth Edition would like to thank all of our sponsors! The rewards of their support will be on display in all aspects of the production including costumes, set, props, lights, etc.

We are very grateful to the Redding Board of Education, Principal Mrs. Melissa Labrosciano, Assistant Principal Mrs. Kim Roy, and Central Office for their continued support of productions at RES.Thank you to Karen Bender and the custodians of JBHS who have assisted in the use of the Barlow audiotorium for our use.

Putting on a musical is truly a community endeavor. Thank you to all the parents and the RES community for your contributions to the musical. From set construction to gathering props, we thank you for your support.

We are thankful to Abbott Tech High School for the printing of the programs. The collaboration of one school supporting another truly makes a difference.

We sincerely appreciate the assistance from the students of Joel Barlow High School (especially the RES alum) who have stepped in to learn the show and assist the students backstage.

A special thanks of gratitutde to the Campbell family and Rings End for their generosity and support of RES' theater endeavors.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible Set Committee for their dedication and hard work in bringing the world of The Wizard of Oz to life. Their countless hours spent building, designing, and creating—often late into the evening—have transformed our stage into a place of magic and wonder.

Their talent, creativity, and expertise are evident in every detail, and their commitment has made a lasting impact on this production. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and for the time and care they have given to support our students and this musical experience.

Thank you for helping make this journey down the Yellow Brick Road so truly unforgettable.

Stephen Bonomo, Hayden Cacace, Renee Fox, Jordan Funk, Pete Huszagh, Diana Jimenez, Gabriel McMahon, Tara Patrick, Patrycja Pedzinska, Jeremy Robinson, Kristen Terrana-Hollis