Teresa Montanari
Reporter
If you plan on going to the NCHS Freshman and Sophomore production of the Wizard of Oz this fall, make sure you keep an eye out for a group of actors a bit unique from the rest of the cast. The NCHS Drama Department has recruited twenty-five excited students from the New Canaan elementary schools, grades four and under, to take on the roles of the munchkins.
A large number of potential munchkins came out to audition in hopes of getting the chance to play a role in the production of this childhood favorite. A lucky bunch, ranging from ages four to nine were picked based on their talent, singing ability, and of course cuteness. “Oh, they [the children]are the cutest,” said Alexa Holzberger, a sophomore who is to play Dorothy in the upcoming production.
Alexa, along with sophomore Olivia Marcus, spend their Thursday afternoons working first-hand with the elementary-grade actors. The Wagner Room at 4:15 after school on these days is fast-paced and filled with energy that brightens the usually vacant hallways. “They care about it [the production]. They work hard; and of course, they are having fun with it,” said Alexa.
The opportunity for elementary schoolers and high schoolers to be working so closely together is one that will produce priceless experiences and relationships.
Linda Margiotta, a Saxe Middle School teacher who has worked with kids from elementary to high school levels praises the opportunity the Drama Club has created for children and teens in town. “Having worked with kids all my life and presently as a middle school teacher, I see the gap between elementary and high school students,” she said. “The ability for these two age groups to come together and work with motivation towards a common goal is nothing sort of commendable.”
With this concept of working together in mind, sophomore Mary Grace Higbie looked back on her elementary school days. “If I got the opportunity to be in the play with high-schoolers, I would have taken it,” she said. “We’ve all been elementary students looking up to the high-schoolers and any type of interaction with them would have been so cool.”
We all remember the little, dancing munchkins from the Wizard of Oz putting smiles across our faces as children. The Wizard of Oz’s show dates include November 19th, 20th, and 21st at 7:30 p.m. in the NCHS Auditorium.
