The Wizard of Oz - Youth Edition

Richard F. Bernotas Middle School Drama Department

Richard F. Bernotas Middle School Crystal Lake, IL

THE WIZARD OF OZ

By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics

by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Dance and Voical Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestrations by Larry Wilcox

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turer Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Adaptation and support materials for the Young Performers' Edition

Developed by iTheatrics

Under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonlad

Directed by Mrs. Mara Rosenbloom

Music Director

Mr. Dan Price

Student Director Story Thiegs

Set Construction

Mr. Bill Bransley

Choreographed by Mrs. Becca Dinkheller

Backstage Director

Ms. Catherine Plunkett

A special thank you to our behind-the-scenes crew from the Raue Center

The Wizard of Oz is presented by arrangement by Concord Theatricals.

Dorothy (Emerald Cast)

Dorothy (Ruby Cast)

CAST MEMBERS

Cast Members

Annabella Getty

Lauren Gassman

Aunt Em (Emerald Cast) Liz Chamberlin

Aunt Em (Ruby Cast) Marissa Ulrich

Uncle Henry (Emerald Cast) Connor Rasmussen

Uncle Henry (Ruby Cast) Riley Peterson

Hickory / Tin Man (Emerald Cast) Anthony Sears-Pecoraro

Hickory / Tin Man (Ruby Cast) Isabella Costantini

Zeke / Lion (Emerald Cast) Cadence Diaz

Zeke / Cowardly Lion (Ruby Cast) Molly Sromek

Hunk / Scarecrow (Emerald Cast) Carmen Varney

Hunk / Scarecrow (Ruby Cast) Sketch Baade

Miss Gulch (Emerald Cast) Penelope McGuire

Miss Gulch (Ruby Cast) Raina Widhalm

Professor Marvel / Wizard of Oz (Emerald Cast)

Luca Cangelosi

Professor Marvel / Wizard (Ruby Cast) Jaden Schroeder

Toto (Emerald Cast) Caroline Lucas

Toto (Ruby Cast) Sabrina Pravica

Student Director / Glinda (Emerald Cast) Story Thiegs

Glinda (Ruby Cast) Madelyn Januszkiewicz

Wicked Witch (Emerald Cast) Adaline Albright

Wicked Witch (Ruby Cast) Max Hawes

Doorman / Winkie Leader (Emerald Cast) Cooper Macro

Doorman / Winkie Leader (Ruby Cast) Andrew Eckhardt

Rowboat Man #1 Rex Woodin

Rowboat Man #2

Kaitlyn Kaiser

Munchkin #1 Kyra Lancaster

Munchkin #2 Sahaya Sivagnanam

CAST MEMBERS

Cast Members (continued)

Mayor Jessica Hartman

Barrister Ella Mueller

City Mother #1 Hanna Huyvaert

City Mother #2 Savannah Broscoe

Coroner Vivian Rexroat

Lullaby League Ballerina #1 Samantha Secrest

Lullaby League Ballerina #2 Elise Thorsen

Lullaby League Ballerina #3 Ella DeSando

Lollipop Guild #1 Lily Artman (they/them)

Lollipop Guild #2 Kaitlyn Kaiser

Lollipop Guild #3 Ian Buxton

Apple Tree #1 Ellie Wilson

Apple Tree #2

Kylie Gibbons

Apple Three #3 Mae Anderson

Apple Tree #4 Alice Mungeon

Crow / Ensemble Ainsley Santerelli

Nikko Melanie Wolf

Ensemble Tristan Anderlik

Ensemble Brianna Buelow

Ensemble Alice Mungeon

Ensemble Elyse Sprague

Ensemble Rex Woodin

Ensemble Ireland Wuehler

Emerald Cast is performing on Friday, April 21, 2023. Ruby Cast is performing on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Cast members play ensemble roles on their "off" night.

Stage Crew

CREW

Crew Members

Cordehlia Bielski

Fitch Born

Alex Crane

David Denlinger

Lola Gregory

Bailey Harrison

Logan Hornung

Faith Hui

Rose Kovarik

Bailey Murran

Ava Perry

Jocelyn Schlenker

Toby Sheridan

Gavin Sromek

Caileigh Will

Adaline Albright as Wicked Witch (Emerald Cast)

Adaline is a 7th grader at bernotas middle school, 12 years old. She has been in two Bernotas performances including this year. Last year she was Lady Macbeth in I Hate Shakespear and enjoyed it so much! Now she is another evil part, the wicked witch in the wizard of oz. She is improving so much with her actings skills, and enjoys it so much. She prefer plays over musicals because singing is not her strength but acting is! Adaline lives in a family of 6 with her Mom,Dad,Sister Amelia,Brother Asher and cousin Lola. Adaline just wanted to say that she is so grateful for Mr. Price, Mrs Plunkett and Mrs. Rosenbloom who made this all happen! Now sit back and relax and enjoy the show!

Tristan Anderlik as Ensemble

Tristan is 12 years old. This is his first time performing on stage. In sixth grade he saw James and the Gaint peach. He likes acting because he loves to embrace being someone else on stage. He loves his role as a Munchkin, and flying monkey. He loves animals, learning new things, minecraft, and mythical creatures. He is planning to do more shows in his future. He likes the movie the wizard of oz and has read the book with his classmates. His favorite warm up game was samurai, and He hopes you enjoy the show!

Lily Artman (they/ them) as Lollipop Guild #1

Lily is 13 years old and is a 7th grade student at Bernotas Middle School. They are very thrilled to be a part of the Lollipop Guild and a Jitterbug in this year's musical, The Wizard of Oz. Lily has been in other big musicals such as Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol and Wicked through the Raue Center program. They have been acting since they were only six years old! In their free time they like to bowl, play games, read, draw, talk to friends, and dance. They would like to thank their parents for supporting their interest in performing and acting for all of these years. They would also like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mr. Price for being such amazing directors and Mrs. Plunkett and crew for making such well done costumes and props. Lastly, they would like to thank their fellow cast mates for being such hardworking and kind people. They really hope you enjoy this year's musical since everyone has worked really hard on it!

Mae Anderson as Apple Three #3

Mae is a 7th grader at Bernotas middle school. Mae is so excited to be a part of the Bernotas play this year. Last year in 6th grade Mae helped Bernotas drama with makeup during the play and realized that she wanted to be a part of Bernotas drama as well. In her free time, she likes to play volleyball, go on runs, and hang out with her friends. Mae is excited to see everyone including her friends and family in the crowd supporteing her at this years play. Mae thanks Mrs Rosenbloom, Mr Price, and Mrs. Plunkett for making this musical truly the best. Mae has had so much fun working with her peers on this play and is just so excited to share it with you all.

Sketch Baade as Hunk / Scarecrow (Ruby Cast)

Sketch Baade is a 14 year old 8th grader at Bernotas Middle School. This is their 2nd year doing the school’s play/musical and is very excited to show it, although they have been in other musicals like A Land Before Time and Frosty The Snowman. Other than acting, Sketch likes to draw, sing, hang out with friends, and play games. Sketch is very happy to be the Scarecrow and would like to thank the directors and crew for working so hard to make this show possible. They hope that you enjoy the show!

Savannah Broscoe as City Mother #2

Savannah Broscoe Is a 6th grader at bernotas. She loves to dance and has been dancing for 2 years. Savannah She has been in a few other shows such as; Mary poppins, The Lion King, etc. She is going to be playing a munchkin and ensemble in this years show. She is excited and can’t wait. Enjoy the show!

Brianna Buelow as Ensemble

Brianna Buelow is super excited to be in the musical this year! She loves the performing arts and many other things. Brianna is in 7th grade and her 2nd musical and hopes to be in many more. Brianna also loves to play with her pet ferrets, Oreo and Noel, hang out with friends, and play in the lake. Brianna has made many new friends from practices. She always talks about how funny musical practice is and says her lines. She is very excited for you to see it and hopes you enjoy it! :)

Luca Cangelosi as Professor Marvel / Wizard of Oz (Emerald Cast)

Luca Cangelosi is a music fanatic and is especially captivated by classical music and musicals. At the sight of a musical going on, he jumped for the opportunity to join. Luca plays as Professor Marvel and the WIzard of Oz and is very attached to the characters. Luca is in 7th grade and is 12 years old, and he says that he hopes you enjoy the show.

Ian Buxton as Lollipop Guild #3

Ian Buxton is so excited to do the Wizard Of Oz this year! He has recently found a love for musicals and jumped at the chance to audition for the play. His very first performance was the Lion King then he performed in Annie Jr. He loved being in both musicals and would do them all over again if he had the chance. Ian also enjoys playing soccer, playing the trumpet, reading and doing Taekwondo. He is very grateful for the support his friends and directors provide. Ian can’t wait to perform in front of all his friends and family. He can’t wait to show all the hard work that was put into this show.

Liz Chamberlin as Aunt Em (Emerald Cast)

Liz Is delighted to be playing Auntie Em in this year's production of The Wizard of Oz! Liz is an 8th grader and is happy to end her theater career at RBMS on an excellent note. Liz has been in productions before including RBMS’s production last year of “I Hate Shakespeare” Where she played Juliette. Liz is interested in drama/theater and is excited to continue participating in musicals and plays when she is in high school next year at Central. In her free time, Liz enjoys hanging out with her friends and reading. She would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom for helping her all her years here at Bernotas in the drama department, Mr. Price & Mrs. Plunkett, her amazing castmates, her parents for always assisting her by offering rides and keeping her on top of everything when she couldn’t, and all of her loving friends who are her biggest supporters. She hopes you enjoy the show!!

Isabella Costantini as Hickory / Tin Man (Ruby Cast)

Bella Costantini is a 6th grader at Bernotas and is very excited to be in this years production! She plays the part of Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, who becomes friends with Dorothy and the rest of the gang to get to the Wizard so that he can get a heart, Lion can get courage, Scarecrow can get a brain, and so Dorothy can get home. Bella has loved theater and singing for most of her life, looking up to her sisters when they preformed in shows as she grew up. Bella has done multiple shows in the past, her favorites being Highschool Musical Jr. and Little Mermaid. Bella loves to bake, play trumpet, volleyball, and being with friends. Bella would like to say thank you to her family and friends for encouraging her and helping out along the way, another thanks to Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, Ms. Plunkett, and the other cast and crew members for making this show happen. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Ella DeSando as Lullaby League Ballerina #3

Ella is a 6th grade student at Bernotas middle school. She is excited to play a ballerina in her first play, The Wizard of Oz. Ella has always enjoyed plays and helping out her siblings with various roles over the years. Some of her hobbies include playing soccer and tennis. In her free time, Ella also makes crafts, cooks, paints, and likes to play video games. Ella would like to thank her friends, family, and all the teachers that helped her out this year to make this production awesome.

Cadence Diaz as Zeke / Lion (Emerald Cast)

Cadence is 13 years old and is so excited to be in this year's production of The Wizard Of Oz. She has been acting since she was eight years old and has been in love with it ever since. Cadence has been the narrator in A Christmas Carol, The Genie in Aladdin, and the narrator & Paris in I Hate Shakespeare. She plans to be in many more shows to come. Cadence wants to thank her family for their support and always being there when she needed a ride home from rehearsal. She especially wants to thank her mom and her dad. She has no words to explain how much she loves them and how thankful she is to have such amazing parents. No matter what happens, she knows they will be proud of her. She has had the best time making many new friends and watching this show come together. She hopes you all enjoy your trip over the rainbow!

Andrew Eckhardt as Doorman / Winkie Leader (Ruby Cast)

Andrew is quite excited to be in The Wizard of Oz musical this year. This is Andrew's first musical and he is quite happy with the part he got. Andrew gets to be the Doorman and Guard of the Emerald City along with being the Winkie Leader! Andrew gets to be in several different scenes such as the scene where Dorthy and the gang arrive at Emerald City and the scene where they are in the Witches Castle when they kill the wicked witch! This is Andrew's first year at Bernotas and he is a very kind and funny guy to hang out with. He is very happy that he got in the musical because it gives him something to do after school for fun. In Andrews off time he loves to play video games and overall he is quite happy with the musical people he is with and the musical experience.

Lauren Gassman as Dorothy (Ruby Cast)

Lauren Gassman is a 7th grader at Bernotas Middle school. Her hobbies include, singing, acting, writing, archery, gymnastics and anything outdoorsy in general. Her past roles include Alice, from ‘Alice in Wonderland’, Bruno from ‘Encanto’ and she starred as a cheerleader in last years RBMS production ‘I Hate Shakespeare’. She is thrilled to be a part of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and is extremely excited that RBMS is getting back into musicals. She would like to thank her family for their immense support in her acting career, and couldn’t be more blessed to have them. A final thanks goes to Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mr. Price, for giving a young actress a chance to shine.

Annabella Getty as Dorothy (Emerald Cast)

Annabella loves theatre and is passionate about dance. She has been dancing since she was 18 months old! She takes piano, voice, and clarinet lessons at Encore and likes to play outside. Annabella has been in many Sage musicals and plays, along with the Central High School theatre summer camp production of “Seussical the Musical.” She has been a part of productions here at Bernotas as well. Annabella is excited for her new roles in The Wizard of Oz with all of the dancing and singing they bring. Annabella is an 8th-grade student here at Bernotas who likes singing, dance, and nature. She enjoys listening to music while doing one of her countless crafts. She is a current cadette member of Girl Scouts and has completed training to become a P.A. Annabella has many coding robots and is a former gymnast. Overall, Annabella is a remarkable girl who will help people in need, will always be resourceful, and stand up for what’s right for nature and humanity.

Kylie Gibbons as Apple Tree #2

Kylie is a 7th grader at Bernotas. She is an apple tree, winkie soldier, and a jitterbug. Kylie is excited to be a part of this year’s production. She’s been in a few plays before, last year’s play, “I Hate Shakespeare” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” .She enjoys acting, as well as playing softball, listening to music, playing video games, and reading. She’d like to thank her family and friends for their support. Kylie would also like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Ms. Plunkett for being great directors.

Jessica Hartman as Mayor

Jessie is a 6th grade student at Richard Bernotas Middle school. She loves spending time with her 2 dogs, Nala a 2 year old pitbull mix and Blu, a merle border collie mix. She loves to swim, crochet and draw in her free time. She is part of the character corps and is the Mayor of the munchkin city in the play. She has been accepted in the district art show 3 times and in for the fourth time in may. Jessie is a part of the school band and plays saxophone. She also plays piano, guitar, clarinet, and ocarina. She hopes to get a scholarship to the blue lake summer camp for fine arts. She is training her dog Nala for agility. She can’t wait for the The upcoming show and next years season.

Max Hawes as Wicked Witch (Ruby Cast)

Max was and is very exited to be in this show she hopes she was able to lift youre spirits in any way shape or form. Max hopes you enjoy this proformance as much as she did making it. She is so grateful for all the help she got. This is maxs first production and she had so much fun making it. So thank you to her sponsors and enjoy!

Hanna Huyvaert as City Mother #1

Hanna is a 7th grader at Bernotas Middle School and feels grateful she could be in his year musical and hopes to be in a play or musical in 8th grade. She also always loves being on stage. Ever since she was a little kid, she was always on stage. She's been in two plays and loved every minute of it. She's lived in 3 different states and eight different houses, so she's been to many places, but Crystal Lake is a place she loves to be, and she loves her school, friends, and teachers. Some of her hobbies are dancing, singing, going on long walks, and playing video games. She has five other friends in the play, and they goof around a lot, and she loves having them as a part of her experience. Her friends are Kyra, Ellie, Adaline, Ireland, and Melony. She loves her mom, dad, two and two sisters, and most importantly, her pets, Riley, Scooter, and Bronx. Hanna knows that she couldn't have done any of this without them.

Madelyn Januszkiewicz as Glinda (Ruby Cast)

Maddy Januszkiewicz is so excited to be part of RBMS’s production of The Wizard Of Oz this year! She plays Glinda, which she finds to be a very fitting role compared to her off-stage-self. She has had many other supporting roles in plays and musicals such as Annie, Suessical, The Lion King, and of course, last year’s school play “I Hate Shakespeare”. Maddy is a seventh grade this year, and has lots of future plans to be apart of CLC’s drama club, as well as being in the Newsies this summer. She is so grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this production, and would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom for all the work she puts in to bring this together, and her own parents who support on and off the stage. She thanks you for coming and she hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed being in it!

Kaitlyn Kaiser as Lollipop Guild #2

This is Kaitlyn Kaiser. She is 13 years old and has done the school plays for 3 years (including elementary) Her role in the play is munchkin, lollipop guild, rowboat man and guard. Lollipop guild is a guild whom welcomes Dorothy to the land of Oz. Kaitlyn Kaiser did her first play “The Jungle Book”. She did her first play when she was 11. Kaitlyn likes doing plays because she loves seeing peoples face light up as they see the characters talking and acting on stage. Kaitlyn is always watching musicals and play when she isn't doing homework.

Kyra Lancaster as Munchkin #1

Kyra Lancaster is a 7th grader that has a passion for acting! Kyra has always loved acting, and even though she has never been in a play, she knew she had to try to achieve her dream this year! Whenever Kyra goes to play practice, she feels at home. She is very grateful to be in the play this year and hopes to join again next year. She hopes to learn more over the summer! Kyra loves singing, being with friends, and her pets. She is excited to do Track and Feild this year. When Kyra is at play practice, she usually likes to be goofy with her friends; she is glad her friends can be in the play with her. Kyra would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Mrs. Plunkett for letting her experience this excellent play. It makes her feel welcome and super happy! She wishes good luck to her classmates and friends in the future. She also thanks them for their hard work!

Caroline Lucas as Toto (Emerald Cast)

Caroline is super excited to be in this years Musical! Caroline is a 7th grader at Bernotas. She Loves Theater and was in “I Hate Shakespeare”, and played the role of The Cow last year. Caroline loves hanging out with her friends and family. She loves running and soccer. And especially Theater! She is having a bunch of fun going over her lines of Toto in this years Musical. Caroline can not wait to perform. She would like to give a Thank you to Mrs.Rosenbloom, Mr. Price and Miss.Plunkket for making this years Musical an Awsome experience. Enjoy The Show!!

Cooper Macro as Doorman / Winkie Leader (Emerald Cast)

Cooper is a 7th-grade student at Bernotas middle school. He is a part of N.J.H.S and is a member of the state Science Olympiad team at Bernotas and a member of the Bernotas Student Council. He is excited for his second performance on stage. In this year’s RBMS play the Wizard of Oz, Cooper takes on the roles of the doorman, the guard , and the winkie soldier leader. He wants to say thank you to his play directors Miss Rosenbloom, Mr. Price for all their hard work with helping him become a better actor and person. He also wants to say thank you to his friends and family for being supportive and helpful this year’s play experience.

Penelope McGuire as Miss Gulch (Emerald Cast)

Penelope is excited to be a part of this year's Bernotas musical as she playes the part of Miss Gulch, She’s a 6th grader this year and has been apart of Central Highschools theater camp for 3 years and has enjoyed every moment of it. In her free time she loves to run track, or play soccer. She would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Mrs Plunket for their hard work on the Musical this year.

Ella Mueller as Barrister

Ella loves theater and is super happy to be a part of this year's musical. Ella is a 7th grader at Bernotas middle school. Ella has been in many small productions over the years and loves to do theater camps over the summer. She is having so much fun practicing her role and performing with her friends. Ella enjoys playing softball, riding horses, going shopping, and hanging out with her friends. She also has two dogs named Guinness and KC and one rabbit named Coco. Ella would like to thank Mrs. Roseabloom, Mr. Price, and Mrs. Plunkett for letting her get the opportunity to be in this year's production.

Alice Mungeon as Apple Tree #4

Alice is in 6th grade. This is her first play. Alice enjoys animals and helping others. Alice is most excited about the part where she throws apples. Her favorite song in the musical is “Jitterbug.”

Riley Peterson as Uncle Henry (Ruby Cast)

This will be Riley Petersen’s 3rd production on stage. Riley Petersen is a 7th grader that goes to Bernotas Middle School. Riley has been in 2 plays before and has a lot of experience. He’s able to raise his voice and is able to change the way he talks. Riley likes to play guitar, do acts at random times, and he’s written 3 books. He was in 2 other plays but has been on stage 7 times. He also is a very big anime fan, he watches one piece, demon slayer, naruto, and dragonball z. This year in the show he is playing as Uncle Henry. Riley practices all his lines all the time so he can remember them from the top of his head.

Sabrina Pravica as Toto (Ruby Cast)

Sabrina Pravica is delighted to be a part of the 2023 Wizard of Oz musical as Toto this year. She is in sixth grade at RBMS. She has been playing guitar since November/December of last year, and she greatly enjoys singing and dance. She's been singing since she was only 2 years old! Sabrina did dance in 3rd grade and has been in choir since 5th grade. She has been in many concerts and competitions. She is very passionate about acting, singing, art, dancing, music, basketball, and all of her friends. Sabrina would like to thank Mr. Price, Ms. Rosenbloom, and Ms. Plunkett for a great production and all of their hard work! She would also like to thank all of her castmates for being such a fun and nice cast to be around.

Connor Rasmussen as Uncle Henry (Emerald Cast)

Connor Rasmussen is a 12 year old in 6th grade, and he has always loved sining and acting. When the opportunity to perform in The Wizard of Oz musical this year, he was overjoyed. Connor Has been in only one other musical before, but he was ready for this performance. Connor has the role of Uncle Henery, Dorothy’s uncle. Connor is really enjoying this role because he gets to act as a character that is not that bright, but also very firm and strong. He states that “Acting as someone that you are not is always a challenge, but it makes it more fun.” When Connor gets to other grades, he will strive to get into the next plays the years to follow. After Connor leaves Bernotas middle school, he hopes to be in more plays in high school. Acting is certainly one of Connor’s favorite things in the world. He hopes you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz play!

Vivian Rexroat as Coroner

Vivian Rexroat is a 6th grader at Richard Bernotas Middle School, she is the coroner in the Wizard of Oz musical.This Musical will be her 4th. She has been a Who, in the Seussical, Olaf, in Frozen, and Ursula in the Little Mermaid. In Vivian’s free time she likes to play sports such as soccer and lacrosse, and she likes to play video games. Vivian is psyched to be in the musical this year!

Ainsley Santerelli as Crow / Ensemble

Ainsley is very excited to be in her first Bernotas Theater productionThe Wizard of Oz! It is one of her family favorites so it makes this show extra special for her to be a part of it. Ainsley has been dancing since she was 2 years old and was previously seen in High School Musical Junior at Woods Creek Elementary. She hopes to continue being active in future theater productions at Bernotas and beyond. She’s very sad her time with “the Wizard” is coming to an end, but she’s really enjoyed hanging out with the cast and crew and is happy she made it into the play this year. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Samantha Secrest as Lullaby League Ballerina #1

Samantha Nicole Secrest is very excited about her first Musical at the Raue Center of the Arts.

She started her first play called I Hate Shakespeare!, Back in 2022. She played as Willow Puppet #1, And She’s gonna play two characters in the play, Ballerina #1 and an Ozian. She is so excited to be in the 2023 play called The Wizard Of Oz.

Jaden Schroeder as Professor Marvel / Wizard (Ruby Cast)

Jaden is excited to be in her third stage production, and second musical! She is in seventh grade and looking forward to working on another production while at Bernotas. Jaden loves the creative outlet that acting provides. She is thankful for Mrs. Rosenbloom’s direction, Mr. Prices musical ear, Mrs. Plunketts artistic eye, as well as the cast and crew that have helped to make this a great show! Jaden hopes you enjoy watching the musical, as much as she has enjoyed rehearsing! Just remember to pay no attention to the person behind the curtain!!

Anthony SearsPecoraro as Hickory / Tin Man (Emerald Cast)

Tony is an 8th grade teenager loves to skate and performing in front of an audience. He's been in many musicals, and can't wait for you to see the show!

Sahaya Sivagnanam as Munchkin #2

Sahaya Sivagnanam is a 6th grader at Bernotas and is so excited to perform for you. She loves to dance and sing and loves being in musicals. Last year she played Nala in The Lion King. Her favorite part of the show is performing. Enjoy the show!

Molly Sromek as Zeke / Cowardly Lion (Ruby Cast)

Molly is so excited to be a part of this year’s production of The Wizard Of Oz. She is an eighth grader here at Bernotas, and this is her third Bernotas production. Molly likes to play softball and draw in her free time. She would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, Ms. Plunkett, and all of the cast and crew members for making this musical possible. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Elyse Sprague as Ensemble

Elyse Sprague is very excited to be in the Wizard of Oz performance. She has been acting since she was little. Elyse has done many acting camps and shows which she has enjoyed greatly. Elyse is in the RBMS choir and enjoys being in it. She has always loved singing, dancing and especially acting. Elyse is a 6th grade student at Bernotas middle school and enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and being outside in nature. Elyse is so glad to be part of such an amazing show and cast. She can not wait for her next years at Bernotas and doing the musicals/plays.

Marissa Ulrich as Aunt Em (Ruby Cast)

Marissa is excited to be a part of this year's production of The Wizard of Oz. She is an eighth grader here at Bernotas, and this is her first Bernotas show. Marissa likes to play tennis and the piano in her free time. She would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, Ms. Plunkett, and all her cast and crew members for making this play possible. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Elise Thorsen as Lullaby League Ballerina #2

Elise is a 6th grader who cannot wait to be a ballerina, jitterbug and winkie soldier in the Wizard of Oz of Oz. She has been performing on stage most of her life. Her favorite role was being an orphan in an Annie Jr. production. Outside of theater she likes playing sports, drawing, baking, and playing her clarinet. She would like to thank her family for their support.

Carmen Varney as Hunk / Scarecrow (Emerald Cast)

Carmen is 12 years old and in 6th grade. In The Wizard of Oz she is playing the Scarecrow. She loves to sing and act. Outside of theater she enjoys playing soccer, learning clarinet, and hanging out with friends. She is very excited for this year's musical and is honored to be a part of it. She would like to thank Mrs. Roosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Mrs. Plunket for running and costuming the whole show.Also Story for being the student director. Carmen’s favorite thing about playing the scarecrow is the large sense of humor her character has and the choreography that really showcases it. She is excited and ready to perform and hope’s that you enjoy the show of Wizard of Oz.

Ellie Wilson as Apple Tree #1

Ellie Wilson is super excited to be in this year's play. This is Ellie's first play and she loved it so much. Ellie is in 7th grade at Bernotas middle school. Ellie hopes to be in the 8th grade play or musical next year.She made the most out of a small part and what helped was her friends being by her side, Hanna, Krya, Ireland, and Adaline. The part she got was an Apple Tree, Munchkin and Jitterbug and of course a Flying Monkey. Ellie hopes this gets you interested in joining the Musical at your school no matter if you have done a play or musical before or if not it is always fun to try something new! She really appreciates Mr. Price, Mrs Plunkett, Mrs. Rosenbloom, Story and Mr. B for making this all happen! Now here presented by Bernotas Middle School The Wizard of Oz!

Melanie Wolf as Nikko

Melanie is excited to be playing Nikko in the RBMS production of The Wizard of Oz. She is in 7th grade and played Queen Gertrude in last year's play I Hate Shakespeare. She has also been in other plays such as Aladdin and High School Musical Jr. Melanie also enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and drawing. Melanie would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Ms. Plunkett for their hard work. She would also like to thank her family for their love and support. Enjoy the show!

Raina Widhalm as Miss Gulch (Ruby Cast)

Raina is a 6th grader here at Bernotas middle school. She has really enjoyed being a part of this year’s prediction, the wizard of oz as the character Almira Gulch, a mean neighbor. This is not her first performance though. Along with the Wizard of Oz, Raina has also been in Willy Wonka Jr., Victorious, The Dick van Dyke Show and On Broadway, Jr. Raina enjoys baking, playing soccer, playing trombone and reading. Raina would like to Thank Mrs. Rosenbloom, Mr. Price, and Mrs. Plunkett, for leading our musicals and making awesome costumes.

Rex Woodin as Rowboat Man #1

Rex is an 8th grader here at Bernotas, and is so excited to be in his second show! He performed last year in I Hate Shakespeare and can't wait to be on stage again. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Ireland Wuehler as Ensemble

Ireland is an energetic 13 year old 7th grader at Bernotas. She is a Munchkin, Jitterbug and an Ozian. This is her first production ever. She has been doing dance since she was three. She has also done many improv camps. She has many hobbies like dancing and going outside with her siblings. Some of her favorite movies are Clueless, Legally Blond, and Hairspray. She loves going on long walks and bike rides when it’s warm. She would like to thank her parents for picking her up from every practice and enrolling her in dance classes. She would also like to thank the directors, for making this all possible. She really hopes you enjoy this RBMS production, The Wizard of Oz.

Mrs. Mara Rosenbloom

Mrs. Rosenbloom is honored to be a part of such a phenomenal production, and is thankful for such a dedicated and motivated cast. In the past, she has been part of productions from elementary school on, and began directing shows at Bernotas in 2015. Mrs. Rosenbloom is one of the Spanish teachers here at Bernotas, as well as a consummate nerd, tech geek, craft-lover, wife, mom to a small human, and fur-parent. She would like to thank Mr. Price & Mrs. Plunkett for being such a patient and wonderful partners for this year’s play, her husband for his support, and the amazing cast and crew!

Mr. Dan Price

Mr. Price is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful Musical, and has had so much fun working with these students. In the past, he has directed Musicals and programs in Elementary School, Middle School and High School. Mr. Price is the Music teacher and Choir Director at Bernotas and oversees the music aspect of the program. He has a beautiful family, many of which are also involved in music. Mr. Price is very excited to work with Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mrs. Plunkett because they are amazing at what they do. Thank you to all the volunteers that were helping along the way. None of this could be possible without every hand that helped.

Ms. Catherine Plunkett

Catherine Plunkett is the art teacher at Bernotas. She lives in Crystal Lake and loves working with students. She has lost track of the number of plays she's done!

Mr. Bill Bransley

Bill has been involved in theater for over 50 years with the Wizard of Oz being his first play as an eighth grader. He enjoys acting on stage but truly loves being behind the scenes building sets. He especially enjoys helping younger people learn new skills. He appreciates the opportunity to be doing Oz again. Break a leg cast and crew!

Story Thiegs

Story is an 8th grader this year and is thrilled to be in the first ever musical at Bernotas. Not only is she performing, but she is also the student director. She has loved working with every person in the cast and really enjoyed the leadership position that student director entails. In her free time Story spends time with friends, plays with her two pugs, dances, and sings. Story is sad to be leaving Bernotas, but can’t wait to start her journey at Central. She would like to thank Mrs. Rosenbloom and Mr. Price for everything they do for the students, and she would like to thank the whole cast for being so understanding and flexible. She hopes you enjoy the Wizard of Oz!!

Mrs. Becca Dinkheller

Becca has been a part of musicals for 13 years now, and is overjoyed to work on The Addams Family. She was the dance captain for all four shows in college at the University of St Thomas. Becca previously joined the community theatre world and played Ali in Mamma Mia! and was the dance captain at the Woodstock Opera House. She strives to encourage and help her peers and students to be the best dancers they could be. Becca is insanely proud of how hard all of the cast has worked. She is so proud of their work ethic and determination. Keep your head up and break a leg! Come watch her perform in Rent at the Woodstock Opera House in June!

Our amazing cast and crew!

Learning Jitterbug choreography from our amazing choreographer!

"Let's do a musical!"

"Come on Mrs. Rosenbloom, let's do a musical this year!"

"PLEEEEAAASSEEEE can we do a musical this year?"

I've been directing plays here at RBMS since 2015, and it has always been such a remarkable experience. But there's always been this one request I haven't been brave enough to undertake: the musical production.

I never was cast in a musical in high school, not once, never ever. Sure, I attempted the dance audition for Mame in 1995, and the singing audition for none other than The Wizard of Oz in 1999, but I was never cast. I was always more comfortable in the pit orchestra or acting in a more dramatic role without the singing and dancing. Heck, isn't teaching 99% acting?

But, after much discussion with Mr. Price, some serious arm twisting from some very persuasive 8th graders, and lots of internet searching for a great show... we decided to go for it. Choosing The Wizard of Oz was easy; my sister watched it daily when she was little, and it was the first musical I truly loved!

The first musical in almost 20 years at RBMS was a go! And then the panic set in. How. The heck. Do I direct. A MUSICAL?! Luckily, this is where Mr. Price stepped in. He was able to calm my nerves and he came up with a process and schedule that worked for everyone. Then Story stepped up. Her expertise and years of being in shows with her remarkably talented family made her the perfect student director! Alumni from years past (we're not talking about how many years) came together to help us out.

We decided to go big or go home. Forget staging a musical with 4 spotlights and a few set pieces. If we were going to do this, we decided to DO this. Enter: the Raue Center. Sure, it was a bit more expensive than our free gym, but it was worth it. Then, Mr. Bransley took our request for "a little help with sets" straight to the Emerald City and then back! With the help of the Prairie Ridge High School drama department, Mrs. Plunkett, he, and our crew were able to create our own over the rainbow.

So thank you. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and who made a daunting process much more approachable. Will this be an every year thing? Doubtful. But, will we do another musical in the near future? Absolutely!

-Mrs. Mara Rosenbloom Director

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This year's production was a combined effort of dozens of students, staff, parents, and community members. This production took an insane amount of learning, practicing, timing, and more practicing.

A very special thanks goes to:

• The RBMS Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Students

• for their help and support

• Mr. Bransley for stepping in and creating the most incredible sets we've had in almost a decade! He took our loose ideas and made them into an amazing Land of Oz. We truly cannot thank him enough!

• David Jensen and the theater department at Prairie Ridge High School; we could not have created our Kansas and Oz without you and your resources!

• Becca Dinkheller for our choreography, because Mrs. Rosenbloom has 2 left feet!

• The drama grown-ups, for your endless support, cooperation, rides, snacks, and tolerance of line and song repetition!

• The crew at the Raue Center for helping us bring our spectacle to life.

• C & P Custom Printing for our FABULOUS merch

• Alex Ross for our awesome cover artwork

• RBMS P.E. department for loaning us your space for our rehearsals and production

• RBMS custodial staff for your patience and cooperation

• Our families at home, who were without us through our rehearsal process...we couldn't have done this without you!