A magical performance
A long, long time ago as an eighth grader I saw my first live musical. It was "Li'l Abner," presented by the Abilene High School music and drama departments.
I was enthralled, although I had a horrible sinus infection and my ears were plugged so much I could barely hear.
Fast forward 20 some years and history repeated itself. Saturday night when my son and I enjoyed (and I do mean enjoyed) Marion High School's presentation of "The Wizard of Oz."
As a former theatre person, I can say without doubt it was one of the best performances I have ever had the pleasure to witness. And that even includes professional productions.
The staging was stupendous. The makeup magnificent. The costumes colorful and creative. The singing superb. The special effects were, well, special. And some caught me off guard.
It took me a couple minute to figure out how Glinda the Good Witch was able to glide. Then I saw her roller skates.
I also wondered how they were going to make the munchkins look like "little people" especially compared to tiny Dorothy. I figured some of the munchkins would tower above her. But the problem was eliminated by having the munchkins perform while sitting on scooters.
They even figured out a way to make the wicked witch "melt" on stage.
The actors were all great. Unlike most musicals where only three or four actors have solo parts, this production called for many solos performed by many different people. All were impressive.
Toto — alias Scarlett — was amazing. This dog only broke character once Saturday night when something sent her into a barking spell near the end of the performance. But the audience loved it and the cast worked around it.
It was a wonderful production — albeit long — about 3 1/2 hours. My six-year-old was able to sit through it although he did squirm. His fidgeting, however, wasn't due to length, but rather because he was so excited.
The only damper on the evening was a personal one because history really was repeating itself in the fact that I couldn't hear very well. An ear infection made it sound like I was listening through a wall. Major bummer!
Marion is blessed to have such wonderfully talented youth and instructors. I've been to performances at much larger schools that weren't half as good. And it's great that administration supports the arts, especially in this day and age where school funding issues are causing some districts to cut similar programs.
Kudos to all those involved in the production. You've really outdone yourselves.
— KATHY HAGEMAN
