Life

SLIDESHOW: 'Wizard of Oz' playing at NHHS

Dion Mills is a natural as Lion.

By Bill Moss, Published: April 25, 2013

Last week, East Henderson High School performed "The Wiz," a modern adaptation of the classic movie and show. This week, North Henderson High School turns back to the clock with a performance of the original "Wizard of Oz," with no less energy and musical horsepower.

The NHHS show opens tonight and ends Sunday with a matinee.

Audrey Wells stars as Dorothy, supported by Christian Carmean as Scarecrow, Jon Chaffee as Tin Man and Dion Mills as Lion, Katlyn Searcy turns in a credibly mean Wicked Witch, and assistant principal Jason Joyce shows off his stage chops as the Wizard of Oz. Young Lexi Myers misses no cue and stays in character as ToTo.

Directed by Lisa K. Bryant, the play makes use of students from Apple Valley Middle School and Edneyville Elementary School for an ensemble cast of more than 100 that will be a treat for parents, siblings and classmates across the apple country.

With strategic edits, Bryant has the show speeding along without losing any of the iconic moments that everyone looks forward to.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "We're Off to See the Wizard," and "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" are a few of the famous tunes that have been charming children of all ages since the original movie dazzled audiences in 1939.
Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets will be sold in advance from 11:30-1:30 in the NHHS commons April 22-26. Tickets will also be sold at the door beginning one hour prior to each performance.
Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at North Henderson High School Auditorium, 35 Fruitland Road, Hendersonville.