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The planning starts months before. And by that, we mean November and December. First, a play is chosen. Then sets get designed, characters selected and by March, it all comes together. This year, the Statesmen Players of Randolph-Henry High will perform “The Wizard of Oz” for their spring show and residents have just one week to buy tickets.

Let’s go ahead and get those details out of the way. Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are available online through GoFan, priced at $9 for general admission (you can visit the online version of this story on our website and socials, where the link will be embedded). Tickets may also be purchased at the door, with cash or card. 

Theatre teacher Zachary Mace says there’s a lot that goes into these productions before the curtain lifts on opening night. 

“The production has been planned since early December 2024. We had our auditions during that time with close to 40 students auditioning for either case, on-stage role, or crew, backstage role,” Mace said. “As of right now, we currently have 33 students involved in the production in some way.”

Out of those 33, roughly 11 to 12 are first-time actors, Mace added. And this year’s group had a few challenges thrown their way, courtesy of Old Man Winter. 

“The students began rehearsals in early January when we returned. However, things quickly became pressed due to the amount of snow we have received this year,” Mace said. “In total, we missed close to 10 rehearsal days due to the snow.  That amounts to close to three weeks of missed time.”

Randolph-Henry setting the stage 

And yet, you won’t be able to tell any time had been missed come opening night, as the audience follows Dorothy Gale, Scarecrow, Tinman, and the Lion throughout The Land of Oz. 

“These students have shown great resilience through this. They put the work on their shoulders, working on lines during classes, after school, and at home,” Mace said. “Our crew worked every day to help build the sets and backdrops. Both cast and crew have come on multiple Saturdays to work on dancing and set pieces.”

Mace also gave thanks and appreciation to Randolph-Henry High Spanish Teacher Deanna Camp, who helped create posters, put together social media posts and work with the crew designing set pieces. 

“The show would not be what it is without her.” Mace added. 

As for the students, several of this year’s group said it’s the experience leading up to the show they’ve enjoyed the most. 

“My favorite part of the production has been the incredible friendships I’ve made through the dedicated team working on this project,” said Jeanna Poskas. “If I could ask Glinda anything, I would ask her how she justifies sending Dorothy on a dangerous journey to Oz when she could always go home.” 

Meanwhile, Landon Stembridge enjoys the music involved. 

“My favorite part of the Wizard Of Oz musical would have to be when Lion sings “King Of the Forest.” It is just very comical to me and I really enjoy rehearsing it,” Stembridge, who plays Hunk/Scarecrow, said. “A question I would ask Hunk would be: If he was scared when Dorothy went missing? I would also ask Scarecrow what he would do all day when he was hanging on the pole?” 

A time of growth

Mace said he’s loved seeing his students grow and build their characters. 

“I am most excited about seeing my students shine under the bright lights of the stage. For me, it is all about the students,” Mace said. “It is their show just as much as mine. My students come from all walks of life, but on that stage, they are one voice, one group. Their dedication this semester has been amazing to see! I am excited for them to share their hard work with everyone in that audience!”

You can see the performance one week from now, as the curtain lifts on Opening Night March 21.

Editor’s n0te: Kristi Sellers wrote this story for the Charlotte Gazette.