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The work had been planned since last December. Almost 40 students showed up to audition for some type of role, either on-stage or as part of the crew putting the show together. This past weekend, all that hard work paid off, as the curtains went up on the Randolph-Henry High production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. 

Out of the 33 that made it, roughly 11 to 12 are first-time actors, performers who missed almost two weeks of rehearsals due to the snow and ice. And yet, none of that mattered in the end, as on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22, the Randolph-Henry High School Theatre Department transported audiences “somewhere over the rainbow” with its production. Under the direction of theatre teacher Zachary Mace, the cast and crew brought the beloved classic to life with dazzling performances, breathtaking visuals, and a unique theatre experience.

The production featured Mackenzie Davis as Dorothy, Landon Stembridge as the Scarecrow, Jason Badeaux as the Tin Man, and Avi Kagan-Dubroff as the Cowardly Lion. Gerrit Ramey brought double the charm as both Uncle Henry and the steadfast guardian of the Emerald City, while Haroon Abuzaid commanded the stage as the great and powerful Oz.  Their heartfelt performances, along with an incredible supporting cast of Munchkins, Emerald City citizens, and the Wicked Witch, played by Angel Ragland, made for a show filled with laughter, adventure, and pure theatrical magic.

Turning to the Randolph-Henry High crew

Behind the scenes, the crew worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning experience. Special lighting effects added an enchanting touch to key moments, including the powerful transformation of Kansas into the vibrant world of Oz. The tornado sequence, brought to life through a combination of creative staging and dynamic lighting effects, left audiences in awe. The Yellow Brick Road-trimmed stage glowed with expertly designed set pieces, and Glinda’s grand entrance was a showstopper as Jenna Poskas gracefully rode in on her magical bubble.

From the first notes of Somewhere Over the Rainbow to the heartfelt final scene, the entire production showcased the incredible talent and dedication of Randolph-Henry’s students. Whether on stage, behind the curtain, or in the tech booth, each individual played a crucial role in making The Wizard of Oz an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

“A special thank you goes to Director Zachary Mace for his leadership and vision, as well as to the Randolph-Henry High School staff and community for their support,” Randolph-Henry High Principal Erin Davis said. “This production was a testament to the thriving theatre program at RHHS, proving that even in a small rural school, the stage can shine just as bright as Broadway.”