High school students perform musical

By Scott Bellile

Hortonville High School singers and dancers will follow the Yellow Brick Road in search of the almighty Oz next week when they stage “The Wizard of Oz.”

Its first time ever at Hortonville High School, “The Wizard of Oz” will present to audiences classic songs, a live Toto, an actual black and white Kansas, special effects and even a small burst of pyrotechnics.

“It’s a crowd pleaser,” said Rabecca Wons, who plays the guard of Oz.

The musical runs Thursday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Hortonville High School auditorium. Shows run at 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 3 p.m. on Nov. 15.

“The Wizard of Oz” challenges actors’ vocal ranges and dancing abilities, and many said they are first-time dancers.

“It’s a great show, and the kids are fantastic, and they are working really hard,” musical director Justin Foth said.

Students playing the four lead roles are Breylin Soto as Dorothy, Jeremy DeLain as the Scarecrow, Tony Fannin as the Tin Man and Brad Hansel as the Cowardly Lion. All said they enjoy assuming their fictional roles.

DeLain said he likes acting without a brain as Tin Man. Hansel said the Cowardly Lion matches his own personality. And Soto said Dorothy’s meek character is a 180 from Soto’s outgoing personality.

“I have to be a totally different person, but that’s OK,” Soto said.

DeLain said “The Wizard of Oz” is in general a more dynamic, “out there” production, and he believes audiences will enjoy watching a group’s interpretation of a well-known musical. Fannin agreed.

“Everyone knows it, so it’s kind of a lot of fun,” Fannin said.

Tickets can be ordered through a link on the high school’s homepage or by phone by calling 920-779-7900 ext. 11101.

Tickets cost $8 for adults and $6 for students and attendees 62 and older, plus a $2 ticket processing fee. At the Sunday matinee show, all tickets are $6 plus a $2 processing fee.

“People are going to remember this one,” Soto said.