Raetihi pupils perform Wizard of Oz

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 14, 27 August 1985, Page 4

Raetihi pupils perform Wizard of Oz

The Raetihi Primary School's first production for about eight yeras, the Wizard of Oz, was performed by pupils at the school last week. The entire Form One and Two syndicates were involved in the show and it was organised by four teachers. The idea for the production came from teacher, Michael Hogan and he and Rosalie Irwin produced it together. The cast began rehearsals during the first term and held after-school and lunchtime practices, as well as using their hour-long syndicate time once a week. The production followed the adventures of a young girl from Raetihi named Dorothy ■ Gale (performed by Alison Berry). She finds herself blown over the rainbow from Raetihi into the land of the Munchkins. On her journey to see the great Wizard of Oz (played by James Keith), to ask him to send her back to Raetihi, she makes many friends who join her on her travels. A brainless scarecrow (Karina Meyer) joins her to ask the Great Oz for a brain. Caleb Dempsey plays a heartless tinman and Glen Irwin as a cowardly lion also travels with Dorothy to meet the Wizard.

On meeting the Wizard, he tells Dorothy and her friends that he will grant them their wishes if they kill the remaining wicked witch. They do this with shrinking glue and are all granted th'eir wishes. Parents of the performers made costumes and helped with makeup. Pianist was teacher Judy Udy and publicity was organised by Collette Taylor. The cast performed the show for the Ohakune Primary and rural schools, another for senior citizens as well as two public performances. Although the amount charged to view the performance was minimal, if there is any profit it will be put towards calculators and books or to the outdoor education fund which has been set up by the school committee.