More than 50 take stage in ‘Oz’

Elaini Crouse, a student at S. Ray Lowder, has her munchkin makeup put on during a dress rehearsal for “The Wizard of Oz.” The students perform Tuesday. Jenny Walling / LTN Photo

The hallway at S. Ray Lowder Elementary School filled with magical creatures in colorful costumes and painted faces Thursday.
“Have you seen any flying monkeys around here?” a teacher asked as she quickly walked through.
S. Ray Lowder’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” boasts a cast of over 50 third-through-fifth-graders, most of whom had never been in a play before.
During dress rehearsal on Thursday, students ran around teasing each other and tugging at the directors’ sleeve asking for help.
“Will somebody fix my ears?” asked Cameron Johnson, a third grader who plays the scare crow. “One’s sticking out and one’s not.”
Grant Gregory, a student in the play, skipped down the hallway in a bright green costume.
“I’m an Irish leprechaun,” he announced in a high pitched voice.
“You look totally freaky, man,” said Seth Osborne, a fifth-grader.
The students were all preparing for their Tuesday night performance. The show will raise money for classroom libraries.
“They’ve never done anything like this,” said Shanti Ammen, a third-grade teacher who directs the show along with Jennifer Sieracki.
“Parent’s are excited. Kid’s are excited. We’re excited that it’s almost over.”
Keeping 50 children under control and helping them create a play has been a challenge for the two first time directors.
“I have not been sleeping at night. I have nightmares of props falling,” said Ammen. “I know it will work out fine in the end.”
Students have worked hard to learn their lines and perfect their characters.
“I had to memorize a lot of lines, and I had to speak loud in a different voice,” said Hillary Emory, who plays Glenda the good witch.
Cameron, the scarecrow, had to learn the art of falling without hitting his head.
“He’s very stumbly,” Cameron said of the scarecrow. “I fall down three times.”
Thursday’s dress rehearsal was the first time most students dressed in full costume and makeup. Not everyone liked having makeup smeared all over their faces.
“It feels like someone just smooshed a pie in front of your face,” said Maddie Caldwell who plays the Tin Man. “It’s not normal.”
Rachel Kennedy, a fifth-grader who plays the Cowardly Lion was unsure about her costume.
“I’m yellow,” she said. “It makes me look like Winnie the Pooh.”
Students who performed in S. Ray Lowder’s play on the Wright brothers felt like seasoned professionals.
“Last time I was in a play I was the nice character, and now I want to be mean,” said Kyla Lawson who plays the wicked witch.
The cast has gradually made friends while practicing the play.
Students in different grades don’t usually play together said Sieracki.
“Usually third-graders are intimidated by fifth-graders,” she said.
The students have made friends while rehearsing. Seeing each other in full costume and make up created a lot of giggles.
“People in Miss Ammen’s class said I look silly,” said Cameron who had straw sticking out of his shirt. “I’m making fun of the munchkin’s costumes because they look silly.”
The curtain goes up on the performance at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for children six to 12 years old. Children five and under can see the play for free. by Sarah Grano