BCS is off to see the wizard
There’s a whirlwind of activity in the theatre at Bishop’s College School in Lennoxville this week as students prepare to take their audiences on a journey down the yellow brick road. Beginning tonight, a cast of 15 young actors will take to the stage in the school’s spring production of L. Frank Baum’s classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
“I wanted to put on a show that would allow children to attend,” said BCS Drama Teacher Miranda Mcgee, explaining that she sees the story as a journey of self discovery and seeking outside one’s self what can be found within. “I look at the yellow brick road and, to me, it represents life’s journey.”
Emma Bea Crowther, who plays Dorothy, said that the experience is a trip back into her childhood and a rare opportunity to explore a beloved character in a new way.
“I loved the books when I was younger, but I didn’t like how the movie portrayed (Dorothy) as not very brave,” the actor said. “I’m really happy that in this play she has all the qualities and she brings out the best in people.”
Timothy-paul Chevalier, who plays the tin woodsman, said that his experience of the story growing up was negative, with the more frightening parts of the story being the parts that stayed with him. Having the chance to come back to the story now and explore it from within, he said, is proving to be a positive experience and one he is excited to share with new young audiences.
“I, for one, was pretty excited about being the wizard of oz,” shared Pierre Anglade. “I wanted to make Oz more of a self-righteous, boastful, but air-headed type of guy.”
Mcgee explained that unlike in the film, this adaptation by Tim Kelly takes place entirely in the Land of Oz. That magical environment has been recreated in all its colourful splendor by a volunteer team of painters and designers and will be accented by a lighting design put together by Crowther.
“I get to do some exciting things,” she hinted. “We’re excited.”
“It’s a play for everyone,” said Ivannia Gomezgil Yaspik, the play’s cowardly lioness. “It is kid friendly, but it is also a story from the childhood of our parents and grandparents.”
The play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, and Mcgee pointed out that because of the challenge of squeezing all of Oz into the school’s theatre, the regular seating has been reduced. Anyone seeking more information about the show is encouraged to call 819-566-0227.