The Wiz

What an inspiring evening this was, watching all these youngsters finally playing their parts in The Wiz. The enthusiasm and earnestness of the cast was there for all to see and after all their hard work over the year, they achieved success. Andie Carruthers gave us a matter of fact Dorothy never missing a word and fully focussed on her singing. Her three companions along the way were super, from the comic timing of The Scarecrow played by Gracie Proudlock, to the confidence of The Tin Man played by Enrik Caravatchi and to the likeability of The Lion played by Aaron Ingles. They took us on a journey of hope to The Emerald City and sussed out the fraudulent Wiz played by Courtney Bryce. As the colourfully dressed good ‘fairy’ Addaperle, Hayleigh Gilland delighted with her comedic remarks and timing and Ellie Haldane whipped up hostility as the evil Evillene who wanted Dorothy’s shoes.  Her side kick Lord High Underling Nikki Forrester also Glinda, the Gatekeeper Jack McAllister, the Monkey and Uncle Henry Ian Anderson, The Mouse Squad John Gibson and Aaron Bloomfield, and Aunt Em Amy Kennedy, all supported and played their roles well. The Ensemble, with Munchkins in wonderfully coloured wigs and Citizens of Oz in green spectacles contributed effectively to events and they all moved and sang with confidence. Special mention must go to the lad in yellow who led the chorus- and the audience- in 'Ease on Down The Road'. The singing was joyous and tailored to the youngsters’ strengths. Each scene moved effortlessly into the next. The set was created and painted by the pupils themselves led by Miss Carr and Miss Mackie and great effort had gone into making the atmospheric and colourful backdrops. For all involved this was a highly successful and entertaining evening and a credit to the staff who made it happen. Congratulations to all.

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