Becoming the Good Witch: My Junior Production of The Wizard of Oz
By Miyako Curran
As the house lights were switched off and the music began to play, I was nervous but excited for the first show of the night to begin. I felt very emotional when I heard the intro music for the first time backstage because The Wizard of Oz was a movie that I adored as a child.
I’ll never forget watching the movie for the first time. As a long enduring fan of the musical The Wizard of Oz I have grown to love the music and of course the main four characters, but since getting the chance to portray the role of Glinda the good witch of the North, I have grown to love her as a character just as much as the main four. Glinda is too kind for her own good which she uses for her advantage.
Performing as Glinda allowed me to connect deeply with the character's warmth and wisdom. Her guidance to Dorothy, urging her to believe in herself, echoed the encouragement I received from my teachers and friends throughout the production process of rehearsals for hours on end each week. The joy of stepping into her shoes, donning her sparkling gown, and wearing a glistening tiara, was an experience that will stay with me forever.
The night I heard I got the part of Glinda, I could not believe my ears. I was squealing with delight that I got to play a role that was to also be played by Ariana Grande in a movie remake of Wicked.
Our set design was limited, with just a projection of background projections of vibrant colors that set and made the story come alive. Each musical number was a showstopper, from popular to defying gravity to our grand finale of forgood blowing the audience away to the magical land of Oz and the realization of the importance of friendship and teamwork being the solution to success and of self-discovery.
The Wizard of Oz is full of relevant messages for today's world.
The Wizard of Oz is more than just a musical; it's a testament of resilience, perseverance, teamwork and creativity. Each member of the cast and crew contributed their own unique talents, creating a sense of community that mirrored the story we were telling. The shared goal of bringing this enchanting tale to life created long lasting bonds that will last beyond the final curtain call and strengthened forever friendships.
No matter how many times I have seen this musical it has never been a disappointment to me because it reminds us teens of a journey we all have taken. The film itself has filled the space in our imagination. It somehow seems real and important in a way most movies don't.
A touching key lesson from the movie is that childhood will only last for a period of time, that someday a child will no longer be a child, that the home they know will no longer exist, that adults will be no help because now that child is an adult and must face the challenges of life alone.
As our final musical of the night came to a close and the audience (our parents) clapped wildly and cheered for us, theater is more than just putting on a musical; it's telling a story through acceptance, bravery, and the power of teamwork and friendship.
The memorable message of the story is that there’s no place like home. This film has captured the hearts of many fans and continues to inspire and enchant us, reminding us that, indeed, there's no place like home; with friends or with family and the feeling of belonging.
The Wizard of Oz teaches us that the most profound journeys are not just about reaching a destination but about discovering the strength, love, and wisdom we carry within. As I stood on stage, taking my final bow with my fellow cast members, I felt a sense of gratitude. We had created something beautiful together, it was a reminder that, like Dorothy, we all have the power to overcome obstacles and find our way home, wherever that may be.
