The Clintonville High School Drama Club will perform “Dorothy in Wonderland” May 1-3 in the Clintonville High School auditorium.
In this play, the worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide, adapting the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll.
Dorothy has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road, but before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another tornado appears, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion away to Wonderland.
Equipped with their new assets — brains, heart, and courage — Dorothy’s friends try to help her find her way home, meeting many interesting characters along the way, including Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Cheshire Cat and more.
Megan Meyers, co-director of the play along with Leah Armstrong, said “Dorothy in Wonderland” was chosen because it plays to a younger audience.
“This is definitely a family and childrens show,” Meyers said.
Students have been rehearsing since March.
“Being a shorter play with very minimal scenes, we knew we could pull it together in a couple of months,” Meyers said. “The kids have been great with costumes and we have an amazing set crew.”
Meyers said the success of the musical the drama club performed in the fall has helped create excitement with students.
“We weren’t sure if we were even going to be doing a spring play and it was the kids who just kept saying, ‘You have to do a play,'” Meyers said. “They got that bug. They got that excitement. They know how much fun it is when you really work hard and you do something that packs the theater.”
A buzz around the community since the fall musical has been noticed, Meyers said.
“The community itself seems to have a buzz about this growing drama program and it makes us excited,” Meyers said.
Some students who were in the fall musical are also in the spring play, but Meyers said there are new students taking part.
“A lot of kids who felt the excitement from the musical, but with the spring play, not having to sing, I think that pulls in a new crowd,” Meyers said.
Junior Maria Wood will be performing as Scarecrow.
When asked how she got that role, she said, “According to Miss Meyers it’s because I use my hands when I act or speak in general. Being the Scarecrow, you are sort of floppy and over dramatic. I get to be really smart, plus I get to be over the top which is really fun.”
Being in the play helps build self confidence to be in front of people, Wood said.
Senior Meadow Spoehr plays Alice.
“I think people can expect Alice to be very scared and very curious,” Spoehr said.
She added, “Our play directors have done a really good job and they have worked really hard. It’s going to be a great show and you’re going to miss it if you don’t go.”
Meyers said the audience can expect to get sucked into the confusing world of Wonderland. She said Wonderland doesn’t make sense because there are so many different rules that must be followed.
“It’s a challenge for Dorothy and Alice to try and get out of there. The audience is going to be rooting for those two girls,” Meyers said.
She added that the audience can expect a high-quality show.
“I don’t ever want them (students) to feel like they could have done better,” Meyers said. “I want them to do their absolute best. We push them in practice and it shows on the stage. And we want them to have fun.”
The shows on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 are at 7 p.m. The show on Sunday, May 3 starts at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door.