A Note from the Director Ms. Kiera Radvanski
I would first like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the arts here in Franklin Township. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to lead these young performers in my 1st production as Director.
The cast has been working incredibly hard since October to bring The Wiz Jr. to life. They spent hours rehearsing their music, practicing their choreography, researching their characters, watching the iconic film, and learning about the important history and impact of this show. I am so proud of the brilliant work they have done and how much care they put into this production. I am honored to have shared this experience with them. Cast, thank you for being my ‘why’. Remember that the greatest gift you can receive is yourself.
“Believe in yourself as I believe in you.”
Our production of The Wiz Jr. is for the first time, a completely student run production. Under the guidance of our production team, the students and high school alumni that are members of our stage crew have learned the intricate choreography required to seamlessly move sets, how to program and run a soundboard, work stage lights, as well as the many important behind the scenes jobs including props, stage makeup application and managing quick changes. A huge thank you to these hardworking students. This would be impossible without you. A special shout out to my student assistant director, Dari and student assistant music director, Karthik. You guys are a dream to work with!
A special thanks to Terri, Bill, Susan, Cara and the SGS/HSC Players Alumni Association for supporting me and the team throughout this transition. Thank you to Jenny, Cat, Mimi, Emily, Kayla and CJ for sharing their time and talents. Thank you Amy for your beautiful work on these awesome costumes. To Anthony for all of your time and talent. No one spent as many hours building this production as you did. To our incredible producers, Vi and Sarah. I don’t know where I would be without you both. To Cher for inspiring me to be the best teacher I can be every day. So grateful to have a friend like you. To my family, especially Ryan. Thank you for loving me and believing in me. And finally, thank you to all of the alumni and parent volunteers! This simply would be impossible without your support.
On behalf of the cast and crew of The Wiz, we hope you enjoy the show!
A Note from the Choreographer Ms. Cherilyn Strand
It is with great pleasure and pride that we introduce and acknowledge the incredible cast of The Wiz, Jr at Franklin Middle School. These students were challenged with complex choreography and a new style of movement (vogue) and I couldn’t be more proud of their performance. Ms. Rad and I have had the distinct pleasure of teaching many of these students over the years so watching them grow as dancers and young professionals has been a true joy. They have been a joy to work with and will only continue to grow in their performance capability.
To the families of this incredible cast… Thank you for sharing your fun, hilarious, talented, and enthusiastic children with us. It’s an honor to watch them grow into the amazing young artists that they are today. That would be impossible without your support!
I would like to thank my incredible assistant choreographers Chloe Jackson & Lily Fortuno. I am so proud of your help and you both made this show even more fun. As much as I miss seeing you both on this stage, it was even better to have you helping me off of it. Thank you both. To my sons, Damon & Brandon, thank you for being my motivation and support to keep going every day. Last but not least, I would like to thank “my tribe”. Your support is unmatched. Thank you for being in one of these seats for every single show I choreograph. Mommy, I miss you and know you are with me at every single show as you always were.
Thank you SGS/HSC Players for all of your teamwork, hard work, and dedication.
Please join us in congratulating these students as they open this year’s production of “The Wiz, Jr”.
