‘Dorothy in Wonderland’
When: 7 p.m., Friday, June 3, and 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, June 4.
Where: Sequim High School Auditorium, 533 N. Sequim Ave.
Cost/tickets: Admission by donation with proceeds going to support the school’s drama program.
When a tornado reroutes Dorothy and all the old familiar friends from the Land of Oz to Wonderland, two fairy tale classics become intertwined to create a musical full of adventure and awe.
Students with Olympic Peninsula Academy’s drama program have been practicing since November to perform “Dorothy in Wonderland” June 3-4 at the Sequim High School Auditorium.
“The blending of the two (‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’) and how all the characters interact is really fun,” said Dee Dee Nielsen.
Nielsen is co-directing the production, along with Michele Canepa and musical director Jeanny Holtkamp.
“It’s a tale of trying to get home,” she said. “Of course, Alice wants to get back to London and Dorothy wants to go to Kansas.”
To properly perform “Dorothy in Wonderland” requires a large cast, but that didn’t pose a challenge with 38 OPA students eager to participate.
Although the school’s drama program has performed “Alice in Wonderland,” until now they’ve yet to present “Dorothy in Wonderland,” but have high hopes it will draw a large crowd.
“Our goal is to have to open the balcony,” Nielsen said.
From a musical perspective, Holtkamp said, the production should appeal to a wide audience.
“The music is very diverse and will engage all different groups of people,” she said said.
Staying true to the original script, the musical flavors range from delicate melodies and jazz to disco. Despite the difficulty of many of the songs, Holtkamp has been impressed at the students’ abilities to overcome the challenges tied to doing a musical like “Dorothy in Wonderland.”
“It’s all very fun and the students have done great,” she said.
Days before opening night, already the effort to perform “Dorothy in Wonderful” has proven an effective platform for students to learn and grow from. From practicing weekly and working together, the students have gleaned communication skills, strengthened their sense of self and learned the value of collaboration, Nielsen explained.
“A lot of these students don’t hang out together other than drama class, but this brings them all together,” she said. “It’s really neat to see the kids become like family and take care of each other backstage.”
Aside from getting into character, many of the students also have helped design and build the set, as well as make the costumes.
To ensure all those interested in experiencing the show are able to, admission is by donation with proceeds going back to support the OPA drama program. On both opening night and the Saturday matinee a short play “Stone in the Road” performed by OPA first- through fourth-graders will open for the musical. On closing night the students will conclude by performing a series of entertaining outtakes.
