Wonderful 'Wizard of Oz' makes stop in Marlboro
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

REBECCA MORTON The cast of the Marlboro High School production of "The Wizard of Oz" includes (l-r) Michael Harris, Nicole Vosk, Philip Mazzara and Adam Pestreich. The show will be performed at the high school on Feb. 29 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 2 at 3 p.m.

MARLBORO - Munchkins, flying monkeys and a yellow brick road will be seen at Marlboro High School, Route 79, this weekend.

Members of the Marlboro High School Drama Club will perform "The Wizard of Oz" on Feb. 29 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 2 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $10.

"We wanted to do something that would cater to the whole community, both young and old,"Alison Bender, the Drama Club's adviser, said of the decision to perform "The Wizard of Oz."

"The Wizard of Oz" was written by L. Frank Baum and turned into a classic film in 1939 starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr and Margaret Hamilton.

The story focuses on Dorothy, who is swept away from her Kansas home by a twister to the strange land of Oz. With hopes that the Wizard of Oz can help her get home, Dorothy sets out down the Yellow Brick Road and meets the Scarecrow, who needs a brain, the Tin Man, who needs a heart, and the Cowardly Lion, who needs courage. All the while the WickedWitch of theWest is after Dorothy to get her hands on Dorothy's ruby slippers, which belonged to the witch's sister.

Everyone involved in the show has been working very hard to get ready for opening night, Bender said, noting there are about 60 cast members, 20 crew members and between 20 and 30 students in the orchestra.

Bender said she tries to select a show with a large cast in order to allow more students the chance to participate.

Usually a show's orchestra includes hired professionals, but Marlboro's orchestra for "The Wizard of Oz" is made up entirely of students, a fact the school is very proud of, Bender said.

Trying to find her way home from Oz as Dorothy is sophomore Nicole Vosk, 15.

"I was very overwhelmed when I found out I got the part," Nicole said, adding that her family was just as excited as she was by the news.

Continuing a tradition of feline roles is Philip Mazzara, 17. The senior stared as the Cat in the Hat in last year's production of "Seussical" and he takes on the role of the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz."S

peaking about the role he knew he wanted to play, Philip said, "I'm psyched! I'm just living it up as long as I can."

Seeking a heart from the wizard is the man made of tin. Junior Michael Harris, 16, said he is excited to be taking on the role.

"Being the Tin Man is a great experience," Michael said.

Senior Adam Pestreich, 17, said he is having fun with his character the Scarecrow.

"It's fun portraying such a crazy character when I'm more laid back," Adam commented.

The cast's costumes are supplied by Playtime Costumes of Howell.

The performers said they encourage their fellow students to get involved with the Marlboro drama program.

"It's one of the best things you could do. You can have a whole completely different family. You get to be someone else when you're on the stage," Philip said.

Nicole said the cast members are all very close.

Philip and Adam said they are planning to continue acting when they begin college next year, while Nicole and Michael said they will continue to work with Bender on school productions.

"Everyone should come see and show, it's a lot of fun and good for kids," Adam said.