Cardinal to perform ‘The Wizard of Oz’ musical

ELDON – Cardinal students from elementary through high school are putting on a musical that will make attendees realize there’s “no place like home.”

Cardinal High School gymnasium will host two performances of the musical “The Wizard of Oz,” based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel that was turned into a motion picture in 1939 starring Judy Garland. The performances will be at 7 p.m. on both Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Cardinal Community School District director of bands Luke Miller said he is excited for this production for several reasons, starting with the large cast.

“It includes a big range of ages from second grade to seniors, and the casting of the characters is outstanding,” Miller said.

Miller said he’s thrilled with the creative set work and visual design of the show. Not only that, but local musicians have come forward to provide live music in a pit orchestra.

“We have invested into a healthy amount of special effects,” Miller said. “And we have an amazing seamstress on staff that has made many of the costumes.”

The costumes are the work of co-director Megan Guest, Cardinal’s new vocal music teacher, who is also coaching the singing and dancing in the show.

“She is great with a sewing machine, and made most of the costumes!” Miller said.

Miller said he’s especially fond of the scenes involving the Wicked Witch of the West, because her role uses the most special effects, and the actor who plays the role – Dayne Owings – is doing a “particularly outstanding job of capturing her character.”

Emily Pierson, a supportive parent in the community who is passionate about the arts, designed the set work. She and her husband Wes Pierson did most of the set construction, too, and coordinated the volunteers who helped paint and assemble the sets.

There are many different productions of “The Wizard of Oz,” and Miller chose one that most closely resembles the 1939 film.

“I love doing classic stories that people are familiar with,” Miller said. “Most of the songs are the same as the movie. As much as we can on stage, we have tried to emulate the movie.”

Miller said he loves stage magic because, unlike the movies, the effects have to be done in real time. He loves that kind of problem-solving.

“Do our flying monkeys fly? Does the witch throw real fire at the scarecrow? How do you stage a tornado? If you want to find out, come to our show,” Miller said.

This is a major production, Miller said, and tackling it is no small endeavor. That’s why he’s so proud of his students for rising to the challenge.

“Rehearsals are long and can be taxing on students' patience and stamina,” he said. “I tell everyone involved that starting a production is easy but finishing can be hard and takes strength of character. I am also very blessed with a dream team of adults that are helping make this show amazing. They give generously of their time and spend a small fortune of their own money because they care so much for these students. These people are truly selfless.”

Miller said the most gratifying reward for his students’ efforts is performing before a large audience.

“I really hope our cast, crew and involved adults are rewarded in this way,” he said. “I am also grateful and humbled by the generous donations people and businesses have made.”

Miller said he and Guest are surrounded by supportive and talented adults who are generous with their time and finances.

“Ticket sales for a show like this barely covers the rights to do a major show and scripts,” Miller said. “Some local business and individuals have donated to the production and that helps a lot as well, but a production like this would never be able to cover the cost of building materials, fabric, specialty props and costume pieces from Amazon, and special stage lighting without the sacrificial giving of the adults who are directly involved with the production.”

This will be Miller’s fifth musical as director, but his first in seven years. His previous four were The Music Man in 2012, Cinderella in 2013, Guys and Dolls in 2014, and Mary Poppins in 2015.

“This is a comeback show,” he joked.

Cast

Dorothy - Makenna Arbogast

Glinda/Aunt Em – Ana Spurgeon

Uncle Henry/City Guard – Jared Wilson

Lion/Zeke – Cash Cooper

Hickory/Tin Man – Zach Smith

Hunk/Scarecrow – Chris Diephus

Witch – Dayne Owings

Oz/Marvel – Landon Gordy

Tree/Guard/Ozian – Jocelyn Munkirs, Annika Hicks, Cameron Wheaton

Crow/Ozian – Kylee Williams

Also performing: Jaden Creech, Xavier Exline, Olivia Brown, Makayla Barnes, Cale Bryant, Hailey Davidson, Sawyer Goehring, Khloe Heckethorn, Levi Jarvis, Gunner Jarvis, Dane Johnson, Lyla Kirby, Launa Ragen, Riley Ragen, Audrey Robinson, Wyatt Rupe, Paisley Shaw, Kennedi Van Trump, Heidi Wemmie, Brody Wilson, Sophia Zugg

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com