LEHMAN TWP. — Watch out for the jitterbugs in the Lake-Lehman High School Theatre Troupe’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” May 5-7.
The Jitterbugs’ infectious spell makes anyone they touch dance. Even audience members may catch the boogie-woogie.
Senior Katelyn Sincavage, cast as Dorothy, sings out a warning to her travel mates and audience while dancing.
“Be careful of that rascal – the jitterbug,” she sings with her companions eighth-grader Erin McLaughlin as the Cowardly Lion, junior Courtney Richards as the Scarecrow, and senior Zachary Gabel as the Tin Man, while enchanted by the jitterbugs during rehearsal on Friday, April 21.
The Jitterbug scene was part of the original “Wizard of Oz” music written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg.
Gina Major, director, and producer of the Lake-Lehman High School Theatre Troupe said the song was edited out of the original production.
“The Jitterbug is the most difficult part of the play,” Gabel said.
Major choose to include the high-energy song and dance in the Lake-Lehman High School Theatre Troupe’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” scheduled for 7 p.m. May 5 and 6, and 2 p.m. May 7.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens. Call 570-690-1482 or email [email protected] to reserve tickets.
The production consists of one of the largest casts for the school’s musical, Major said.
“There are at least 70 in the cast and crew,” she said. “There are 22 elementary students playing the roles of munchkins and flying monkeys.”
And don’t forget Dorothy’s dog, Toto, played by a 2 1/2-year-old Yorkie named Penny.
The Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by junior Aleah Ashton, has targeted Dorothy’s love for the canine to force her to give up the ruby red slippers.
The red sparkly shoes were acquired by Dorothy when a tornado made her home airborne and dropped it on the Wicked Witch of the East, sister of the Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by junior Aleah Ashton.
Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, played by freshman Olivia Anderson, advises Dorothy not to give the Wicked Witch of the West the shoes because of their magical powers.
Dorothy’s main interest is not tied to the ruby red shoes, but to get back home to Kansas and her Aunt Em.
Glinda very politely tells Dorothy that she does not possess that kind of magical power. She suggests Dorothy follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz, who could help her get home.
Enroute, Dorothy befriends a community of munchkins: a Lion who lacks courage; a Tin Man with no heart; and a brainless Scarecrow.
Sincavage, who has admired Judy Garland, the actress who first played Dorothy in the 1939 musical, hopes to incorporate the innocence the star characterized in the original production.
“Judy Garland is a big inspiration,” Sincavage said. “She was so beautiful. The innocence she portrayed when singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ is my inspiration.”
