PHHS Presents 'The Wiz':They're Not in Kansas Anymore

As the cast and crew of spring production of “The Wiz” prepares to ease on down the road, they gather around director Greg Dalakian while he attempts to tie up a few loose ends.

“Does everyone have their green glasses?” Dalakian asks.

Not everyone does.

“Does anyone know where we can get a big ring of keys? Burlap sacks? How about a hot air balloon?” he continues.

These are the small details necessary to put on a performance of this magnitude. The musical, a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” was written by William F. Brown, with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls.

It originally opened in Baltimore in 1974, before a film adaptation starring Diana Ross as Dorothy, and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, premiered in 1978.

The stage version garnered numerous Tony and Drama Desk awards, including those for music and choreography. In fact, it was the show’s energetic and exciting music that prompted Dalakian to choose it for the spring musical rather than the production of “The Wizard of Oz” that he originally had planned.

 It’s the consensus among the cast and crew that the show’s energy is its driving force. It’s a more soulful and funkier score than most Oz fans are accustomed to, and one that lends itself to some exhilarating dance routines.

Choreographer Allison Riker, PHHS math teacher and veteran dancer herself, loved the idea of working on “The Wiz” when Dalakian first presented it to her, because she knew it would incorporate many different styles of dance. “The show is also a great one to get into for the students, and it worked perfectly with the talent we have,” she said.

Sophomore Jordan Ginsberg agrees. Of the several parts she tackles in the show as a member of the ensemble, it’s the role of one of the Tornado Dancers that she’s most looking forward to. Having started dancing at the age of two, Ginsberg loves performing and believes the audience will really get into the music and dancing. “It’s going to be good to watch all the talent on stage,” she said.

Ricky McNulty, a sophomore who is also responsible for playing several different roles, is anticipating that the scene in which he plays a Winkie facing off against the Wicked Witch of the West will be a lot of fun. 

 “By the end of it, we all get to have a big party,” McNulty said.

 Senior Mike Sebesto likes the fact that his Tin Man possesses more leadership qualities than the timid and well-mannered character audiences may be familiar with. He’s working hard at making the part his own.

“I’m hoping I can bring some of myself to the role,” he said. “A new Tin Man that no one’s ever seen before. A more spunky, funny kind of Tin Man.”

Senior Garland Dance, who plays the titular character, says that his Wiz is a man of extremes.

“He has multiple angles,” he said. “His character that he puts on is more of just a façade to cover up the fact that he’s so broken.”

Going seamlessly from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other in a short period of time has proven to be a bit of a challenge. During the course of the play, The Wiz goes from cocky and self-assured, to vulnerable, and back to cocky again. The trick for Dance has been “being able to differentiate and to do it on such an extreme level,” he said.

For Sophomore Jessica Wohlrob, who plays Dorothy, the challenge lies simply in portraying a character that appears in all but one scene.

 “It’s tough,” she said, “because you have to have total focus on stage at all times.” In her considerable theatre experience, however, she’s learned that’s the name of the game.

“That’s really what it’s all about,” she said. “Making the character come to life, and always staying in character while on stage.”

 All hard work aside, everyone agrees the audience is in for a great time when the show opens on March 31st.

And while people should definitely come prepared to be entertained, the production’s underlying messages are an equally important element of the show. According to Sebesto, ”believing in yourself” is one of the main themes.

Dance believes that tolerance is another.

 “We have to accept each other for who we are,” he said. “There’s no need to hide behind any falseness.”

 “The Wiz” opens Thursday, March 31st at 6:00pm in the PHHS auditorium. Performances on Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd begin at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Parsippany-Troy Hills School District students are admitted free with ID.