By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Otsego High School invites you to take a stroll down the yellow brick road with its version of the classic musical “The Wizard of Oz.”
Opening night is scheduled for Friday, March 18, at the Otsego Auditorium and Performing Arts Center, with five performances to follow: Saturday March 19; Sunday, March 20; Friday, March 25; Saturday, March 26; and Sunday, March 27.
All Friday and Saturday shows start at 7 p.m., with the Sunday shows starting at 2 p.m. The Sunday, March 27, presentation is a sensory performance.
“The Wizard of Oz” marks the first musical at OHS since “Cinderella” in 2019. The 2020 production of “Mama Mia” was days from opening night when it was postponed—and ultimately cancelled—due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and no musical took place last year because of ongoing COVID concerns.
Otsego High School choir director Meredith Lincoln serves as producer and musical director for “The Wizard of Oz.”
“After finding out we would be able to put on live theater again this year, I thought ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was the perfect show,” Lincoln said. “It’s an upbeat, fun show that is all about helping one another through hard times and never giving up.
“This is exactly what these students have done through these past few years. They have gotten through very difficult times of no performing, but never gave up. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ embodies exactly what these students have gone through and how they kept going despite the difficulties.”
In addition to sharing a message of persistence, “The Wizard of Oz” also reminds us that there’s no place like home. And for the students who are participating in the production, home is on the stage.
“These students need to be able to express themselves on stage, and not being able to do that for years makes a huge impact on them,” Lincoln said. “So, seeing them back in their element has been one of the highlights of my year.
“These are the students who feel most at home when performing and on stage with their peers. Being able to bring this experience back to them has brought me so much joy.”
As this is her second year as the OHS choir director, “The Wizard of Oz” marks Lincoln’s first experience in a leadership role in one of the school’s musicals. She is, however, no stranger to the stage at Otsego, having performed in several productions during her days as a student there.
“Being the producer and music director has been such an amazing experience for me,” she said. “It has been so great being able to bring the love, comfort and excitement that I once felt on that stage to my students.
“Being a student, I never knew everything that went on behind the scenes to make sure that the show was amazing as it was. It has been an amazing experience to now bring that magic back on the stage as choir director.
“Otsego musicals have been in my life for as long as I can remember. The OHS choir room and auditorium was my home away from home for nearly 10 years and I am so blessed to be able to still have it as my home and to bring that home environment to my students.”
Lisa Marie Parker-Campbell is handling the directing duties of the year’s musical, with Ashley Leneway serving as choreographer. This is the first time either has been involved with a musical at OHS.
“It’s been a pleasure to work so closely with these two incredibly talented individuals,” Lincoln said. “We all bring such unique qualities to the table and complement each other. It has been a pleasure working with them and getting to know them. They are now both very close friends of mine.”
Senior Abby Miles leads the cast as Dorothy.
Also starring are: senior Yash Hazari (Scarecrow/Huck); junior Colin Wesseldyk (Tin Man/Hickory); senior Caleb Doorlag (Cowardly Lion/Zeke); Harry Loomis (The Wizard of Oz/Professor Chester Marvel/Emerald City Guard); junior Kendra Galloway (Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Almira Gulch); junior Maddie Uramkin (Glinda); Michaela Sweis (Aunt Em); and CJ Zuydwegt (Uncle Henry/Winkie General).
Chorus members include: Katie Piersma, CJ James, India Polingo, Anakah Brice, Payton Carter, Hollianne Sheneman, Rebekah Stachura, Ryan Williams, Malachi Bagley, Desirae Birman, Angel Hannapel, Madeline Goodwin, Emma Zimmermann, Madelyn Borling, Piper Carper, Kylee Uramkin, Calliah Willover, Lily Jones, Sophie Ruiz, Rori Chapman and Molly Koopers.
“These students have worked incredibly hard in and out of rehearsal to put on a fantastic show,” Lincoln said. “I could not be prouder of the hard work and dedication they have shown me. I am truly so proud of each and every one of them.”
Tickets, which are $15 for adults and $13 for students, can be purchased at Otsegops.tix.com or by calling (269) 694-7455.
“People can expect to have a great evening being transported to the magical land of Oz,” Lincoln said. “You’ll see lots of colors, hear fantastic singing, see amazing dancing and watch Otsego transform into Oz. Make sure you bring tissues because you will laugh until you cry.”