Bristow Middle School Prepares to Follow the Yellow Brick Road
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The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
‘Wizard of Oz Youth Edition’ takes center stage at West Hartford’s Bristow Middle School.
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
By Joanna T. Nowlan. Photos by Giana Park
Something magical is brewing as Bristow Middle School’s talented young performers are gearing up to transport audiences to the enchanting land of Oz with their production of The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition.
This abridged version of the classic tale, abridged specifically for the young actors of Bristow, promises to deliver all the beloved moments of the original – packed with vibrant costumes, catchy tunes, and a secret special surprise ending.
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
Mary McSweeney, Bristow’s orchestra teacher, brings a magical touch to the production as she makes her directorial debut. This show holds a special place in her heart, as she once graced her high school stage as the Cowardly Lion. But her involvement doesn’t stop at directing; she’s also the set builder, choreographer, and musical contributor.
Alongside Mary, a group of talented Bristow teachers are working tirelessly to bring this beloved story to life. Katie Frewen is the musical director, Jennifer Omartian and Hayley Ganslaw produce the show, and Mackenzie Fitzgerald manages the sound.
The key themes of The Wizard of Oz: friendship, courage, and the importance of home echo throughout the staging and preparation for the show. Eighth grader Ciara Frewen, is beyond excited to be playing Dorothy in her first lead role, but when asked what she enjoyed most about being a part of the show she says, “connecting with people and making new friends.”
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
Alina Levystka, also in eighth grade, is thrilled to be cast as the Scarecrow and expresses that she relates to the “jumpy and energetic” character she is portraying on stage.
Piper Quiros, who is playing Aunt Em, is “really excited to have a bigger role” in her final year of middle school and appreciates the camaraderie among all the student actors.
Sixth graders Antonia Jones and Jackie Goyzueta Rhodes both admit while it was scary to audition for the show as new students to the school, they are happy they did because they are having so much fun. Jackie is particularly excited to showcase her tap dancing skills center stage during the Jitterbug.
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
Imogen Jacobson, an eighth grader, was “ecstatic” when she learned that the school was doing The Wizard of Oz because “it is a show everyone is familiar with” and was thrilled to be cast as the Tin Man. She hopes that those that come watch are inspired to “give theater a try.”
Micah Patt, an eighth grader and Bristow theater veteran, is excited to be playing the Cowardly Lion. When reflecting on the past three years Micah stated, “Whether you are in the ensemble or a lead, you always have a place at Bristow.”
Seventh grader Eden Baker is loving portraying the Wicked Witch in what she called her “first evil role.” She excitedly spoke of all the hard work that is going into the show. “We are so happy to share the final product with people because we are really proud of it.”
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
Coming on the heels of the hit movie “Wicked,” Bristow Middle School’s The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition is sure to bring a magical theatrical experience.
Tickets are on sale now: https://bristowdrama.ludus.com/index.php
Show dates and times are:
- April 3 at 7 p.m.
- April 4 at 7 p.m.
- April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Bristow Middle School is located at 34 Highland St., West Hartford, between Fern Street and Farmington Avenue.
Cast List:
| Dorothy Gale | Ciara Frewen |
| Aunt Em | Piper Quiros |
| Aunt Henrietta | Emma Johnson |
| Hunk/Scarecrow | Alina Levystka |
| Hickory/Tin Person | Imogen Jacobson |
| Zeke/Lion | Micah Patt |
| Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch | Eden Baker |
| Toto | Ella Schaeffer |
| Glinda | Laurel McNulty |
| Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz | George Thomas |
| Doorman | Stella Guggina |
| Nikko (Leader of Winged Monkeys) | Clara Norwood |
| Mayor of Munchkinland | Devan Miale |
| Barrister (Munchkin) | Isabel Pires |
| Coroner (Munchkin) | Kaitlyn Asencio |
| Four Tots (Munchkins) | Emma Borer, Emma Johnson, Stella Guggina, Piper Quiros |
| Tough Kids (Munchkins) | Alejandro Asencio, Lily Grew, Antonia Jones |
| Leader of the Winkies | Amelia Kilbourn |
| Jitterbugs | Kaitlyn Asencio, Emma Borer, Charlotte Chapman, Lena Chhabra, Haylee Donahue, Virginia Eikel, Jackie Goyzueta Rhodes, Stella Guggina, Emma Johnson, Antonia Jones, Cailin Lucas, Devan Miale, Rowan Mottes, Skyler Nowlan, Isabel Pires, Piper Quiros, Elena Santiago, Rania Sayej, Stella Small, George Thomas, Lia Varilla, Julia Whitney, Delilah Williams |
| Ensemble: Munchkins, Crows, Apple Trees, Ozians, Winkie Guards, Winged Monkeys
|
Aminah Aman, Alejandro Asencio, Kaitlyn Asencio, Stella Benoit, Emma Borer, Alessa Briganti, Sasha Briganti, Charlotte Chapman, Lena Chhabra, Haylee Donahue, Virginia Eikel, Roxy Fischer, Lily Grew, Jackie Goyzueta Rhodes, Stella Guggina, Remington Hayward, Gabrielle Hector, Addison Hemmelgarn, Clara Hudachek, Antonia Jones, Brihanna-Rose Johnson, Amelia Kilbourn, Winfield Latif, Cailin Lucas, Rowan Mottes, Clara Norwood, Skyler Nowlan, Elisiane Nunes, Isabel Pires, Piper Quiros, Adithya Rengarajan, Elena Santiago, Rania Sayej, Stella Small, George Thomas, Lia Varilla, Julia Whitney, Delilah Williams |
| Guest Teacher Appearance | Gwen Baker |
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will be performed at Bristow Middle School. Photo credit: Giana Park
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