How would you react if you experienced a terrible twister and found yourself waking up in a world of magical witches, wizards, and elf-like characters?
Fleetwood Area High’s drama department is performing a production of The Wizard of Oz for this year’s musical. The classic story surrounds Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, struggling to find her way back home from the Land of Oz while learning lessons from the whimsical characters she meets along the way.
The musical is set for March 13th-15th from 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There is a matinee starting at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The producers of the musical, Elaine Hilbert, Jennifer Starkey, and Catherine Williamson, have influenced the student cast and crew to create a setting filled with childlike wonder. Colorful sets, hyperactive characters, and curious personalities are important parts to portray in a children’s story such as “Oz.”
“Mrs. Williamson and I chose ‘WOZ’ based on the number of people we anticipated returning, specifically those who could handle the roles available in the production. Plus, it has been ten years since we did ‘WOZ,’ and many of our high schoolers were munchkins in that production, so it made for a nice full circle for those involved in both productions,” director Elaine Hilbert said.
Many may remember that last year, the school’s musical was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown which is also a story filled with aspects of immaturity and childhood. However, The Wizard of Oz is reported to be extremely different from the last show.
“Our set is multifaceted and requires a lot more work and planning. Charlie Brown was mostly a single set with moving pieces. ‘WOZ’ has moving sets in every scene. We also have two new production members, Mrs. Starkey in choreography and costume, and Mr. Flicker in set building,“ Hilbert said.
The main cast this year features Zofia Funari (grade 12) as Dorothy, Eric Katzenmoyer (Grade 11) as Scarecrow, Jonah Williams (Grade 10) as Tinman, Emilio Serio (Grade 11) as Lion, Ella Bednarik (Grade 11) as Glinda the Good, and Sophia Glover (Grade 12) as the Wicked Witch. Along with that, there are many side characters and ensemble members with specific solos and chances to shine on stage.
Many members of the cast have found similarities between themselves and the persons they are portraying.
“Dorothy goes through a process of growing up and learning how to figure things out for herself with the help of friends she makes along the way–while I am not going on as crazy of an adventure as she is, I can still relate to her in the way that she is trying to start figuring things out for herself while going through life,” Funari said.
“The environment is so welcoming! I truly know I can count on every single individual to put in the work and do their best. They are always so kind to each other and know how to make everyone feel that they belong,” Katzenmoyer said.
The Tiger Times 
Posted on February 17, 2026 by thetigertimes
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