Follow CPHS Theatre Department on the yellow brick road in “The Wizard of Oz”

This weekend, the Crown Point High School (CPHS) Theatre Department will showcase its students’ acting chops and musical talent as the young performers take on the well-beloved, classic musical, “The Wizard of Oz.” With performances taking place from November 14-23, the cast and crew are eager to share the fruits of their labor with the audience by putting on a stellar show. 

“We’ve done several children’s productions in a row, and we wanted to do another,” said Director Jerome Flewelling. “We’re capitalizing on the popularity of ‘Wicked.’ The show also fit the students that we had for casting. It seemed like the next right step, putting on this timeless story.” 

Whether it is marveling at the colors of Munchkinland, meeting quirky friends along the yellow brick road, or enjoying iconic musical and dance numbers, this show is full of moments for everyone to enjoy.

“My favorite moment in the show is when Dorothy meets the Scarecrow. You can see their friendship form quickly. To me, it shows that you can find a friend no matter where you are, and that you can be accepted no matter where you go,” said Freshman Bryce Fech, who plays the Scarecrow. 

With so many aspects of the musical to enjoy, Flewelling decided to include plenty of actors, even double-casting certain roles like Dorothy, played by Gabby Gunther and Triniti Colbert, to allow more CPHS students to participate in the fall musical.

“Double casting runs a couple of different ways. It gives more students more opportunities, but we also go into it telling students that we don’t have to double cast,” Flewelling said. “If we have two actors we think are equally strong that could fit the role, then we will consider double casting.” 

Be it ruby slippers, a lion’s mane, or emerald green accessories, each cast member is proud to don their costumes and give their all on stage. Portraying long-beloved characters on the CPHS stage is a dream come true for much of the cast, including Gunther.

“This was the best case scenario for me, getting to be Dorothy. I’ve watched the movie over and over since I was four years old. I’m very happy that I got this role, especially since it’s my senior year,” Gunther said. “My family also loves the movie. When I told them I got this role, they were so excited. I’m happy to have made them so proud.” 

As a special treat, the cast and crew will put on a sensory-friendly performance on November 15. By adjusting the sound and lighting, extending the length of the intermission, and implementing a variety of other sensory-friendly measures, those with sensory sensitivities are welcome to join the fun. The CPHS Theatre Department first offered sensory-friendly performances last year, and Flewelling is excited to continue that new tradition.

“Last year, we had around 50 parents and special needs individuals come to our sensory friendly performance. This year, we’re already up to 350 or 400 who are coming. For that show, we have toned down the lights on stage and the music. We also keep the house lights up a little. People have the freedom to get up and walk around,” Flewelling said. “Last year, we had some autistic students who would stand up, sit down, and walk around the auditorium. It’s a great opportunity for them to come and still experience the theater without feeling like they’re interrupting anyone’s viewing of the show.” 

With several matinees and evening performances, there are plenty of chances to see the CPHS Theatre Department bring “The Wizard of Oz” to life.

Matinees (1 p.m.) – 11/16, 11/22, 11/23

Evening performances (7 p.m.) – 11/14, 11/15, 11/21, 11/22

Sensory-friendly performance (1 p.m.) – 11/15

“The ‘Wizard of Oz’ is such a beloved story. A bunch of people watched it as a child, so it’s fun to bring the nostalgia of the film to life on stage and bring people back to their childhood,” Colbert said. “I’m grateful to be involved in the show. It’s my final musical in high school, and I’m just so excited.” 

Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. To explore when double-cast actors are performing and to buy your tickets, visit cphs.ludus.com.