Norcross High Players Present the Wizard of Oz

Starting Wednesday, on April 25-29, the cowardly lion, tin man, scarecrow and of course Dorothy and assorted witches, munchkins and monkeys, will all be gathered to entertain us with the delightful family musical The Wizard of Oz. The Norcross Players will be doing the RCS version of the play which is much like the film. 

We are all familiar with this classic children’s story brought to our attention most famously by the 1939 film version of the musical The Wizard of Oz. Both the 1939 movie and the stage play first produced in 1902 are based on the children’s novel written by L. Frank Baum and published in 1900. Imagine how pleased he would be that 112 years later his work is still going strong. 

Gina Parrish, theatre director at , is very happy to be presenting this iconic show. She says, “We have a very sweet group of kids this year and a very diverse cast.” She commented that this is a rebuilding year and the cast is very large so this is a first time experience for many of them, and they’re taking it in their stride. 

Parrish, along with the cast, has been working hard to prepare for the production. With about 50 cast members, the costume preparations have been quite an undertaking. Lots of people in the drama department have been learning to sew lately. 

Not only will there be acting to enjoy, there will be a full orchestra directed by Norcross band director Lee Newman. There’s nothing like live music to make a production the best it can be. 

The Wizard of Oz actors are excited about the show. I talked to three of the seniors in the play. “The Wizard of Oz is a fun childhood memory and it’s great to act it out,” said Ella Presley, who plays the part of Antie Em.

NIke Gangbo plays a guard and is in the ensemble commented that, “It’s fun interacting with the other actors on stage. I’m looking forward to performing this especially for young children.”

And Eh-den Perlove who plays Glinda the good Witch adds, “It’s fun to play a really good character with no faults.” We’d probably all enjoy having no faults for a while. 

The principle parts in The Wizard of Oz are played by the following students: Dorothy-Madison Findling, Scarecrow-Perry McWilliams, Tin Man-Brendon Clarke, Cowardly Lion-Chris Bingham, Glinda The Good Witch-Eh-Den Perlove, The Wicked Witch-Kessler Catterall, Auntie Em-Ella Presley, The Wizard-Michael Blish, and Professor Marvel-Katie Reilley.

The theatre department is always pleased to have new patrons and is grateful for donations of not only money but things like sewing machines, scissors, racks and fabric. 

Parrish hopes that much of the community will turn out to see the show, especially upcoming Norcross High School students. It will give them a sense of how fun and challenging it is to be a part of the theatre program. 

Add The Wizard of Oz on your calendar for this week. 

Performances and Ticket Information:

Show Times:

Wednesday, April 25, Thursday, April 26 and Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $8 general admission and $12 preferred seating
(Get there early for preferred seating. Those ticket holders enter the auditorium early.)

Norcross High School
5300 Spalding Drive
Norcross, GA 30092