Catherine Chiocchi
Arts Editor
Dorothy, Toto, and her faithful band of ‘Ozian’ friends followed the yellow brick road into the NCHS auditorium for opening night of The Wizard of Oz on Thursday.
Despite the absence of sophomore lead, Allie Potenza, the cast, crew, and orchestra pulled together to produce an outside opening performance. Stage Manager and Assistant Director senior Abigail Schwarz stepped in to play Wicked Witch of the West.
Sophomore Maddie Atchue, an ensemble soloist, was thrilled with the outcome. “There were a few kinks but overall it was amazing,” she said.
Freshmen Alyssa Thompson, also an ensemble soloist, felt the audience was actively engaged from the first number until curtain call. “It seems that the audience was really involved and appreciated it,” she said.
Having been in rehearsal since early September, reaching performance weekend was the culmination of many hours of hard work and dedication. Senior Charlotte Fager, who is assisting with costumes and quick changes, commented on the huge amount of progress made by the underclassmen. “It was tough for them at first, but after being around the upperclassmen and finally getting to show night, [the underclassmen]really bonded together,” she said.
The performances continues tonight and tomorrow at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased in front of the auditorium an hour before the show for $12 or $15.
Photographs by Whitney Gulden
