The P&HCC Patriot Players practiced through the summer to begin performances of “The Wizard of Oz,” which was originally a book written by L. Frank Baum that gained popularity in 1939 thanks to a film debut.
The Patriots began performing the play on July 25, with some tweaks to the original material. The play was produced in partnership with Ray Hollingsworth Dance and Arts Studio and the Smith River Singers.
During several parts of the show, dancers took to the stage. The show itself was mostly a musical, and all the classic songs from the movie, like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See The Wizard,” were performed.
The show’s lead, recent high school graduate Anna Locklear, said that she felt “great” about the performance. “It’s been an amazing experience, and we’re just having a blast and a great show.”
Locklear has performed lead roles before, and playing Dorothy was probably her “biggest role.”
The Wizard of Oz is her last local show before she attends Belmont University to major in music education.
Titus Rodriguez, who operated the puppet for Toto, said that the show takes “a lot of work.” After spending a large portion of the two-hour play operating Toto, he added, “This is the longest and most intense puppet work I’ve ever done.”
Liz Ashby, who played the Wicked Witch, also enjoyed the show but said that getting make-up on in time is stressful.
“It’s a very quick turnaround from Miss Gulch and then darting back and putting the greenback on, and then putting Gulch back on. It’s kind of a three-stage process,” Ashby explained.
The cast enjoyed getting to know each other.
Jyshir Plunkett, who played Scarecrow, said that it was “cool” to get to know everyone.
“Everyone around me is so talented and so great, I love everyone here,” said Landon George, who played the Lion.
“I feel really positive about the show. It was a great opening night. A lot of people have come out, and I think the show has gone really well,” said cast member Logan Carter. “It’s been a wonderful process from start to finish to meet all of these great people and put on this magnificent performance where we can entertain so many people and make them smile.”
The group also used special effects during their performance. Suspension was used during many parts of the show, and bubbles descended into the crowds when Glinda the Good Witch made an appearance.
The show has been selling out fast, but a few opportunities remain to enjoy it, with performances slated for August 1 through 3 at 7 p.m., and August 4 at 2 p.m. “The Wizard of Oz” is performed at Patrick & Henry Community College.
