For its newest production, “The Wizard of Oz,” Sequim High School’s Operetta Club is taking choreography to new heights.
“We have 15 different flying sequences we’d like to do,” said the club’s musical director and choreographer Robin Hall, who added that she hopes Dorothy, Toto, the Wicked Witch of the West and the infamous Kansas home all will be able to take flight. “It’s something we’ve never done before.”
The equipment will be provided by 50-year-old Las Vegas company Flying by Foy, founded by actor Peter Foy, which helped stars including Cathy Rigby (as Peter Pan) and members of Broadway’s “The Lion King” cast take to the air. Soaring through the air above an awed audience, however, doesn’t come cheaply. SHS Operetta Club director Christy Rutherford said the club’s budget has been around $5,000 each year for
almost two decades; however,
the flying equipment alone is that amount.
So, Peninsula Family Theatre is raising money to rent the equipment so the high school actors can fly.
One of the ways the group is raising money is with a silent auction and variety show at the high school auditorium.
“The kids are coming up with all sorts of things” for the auction said Rutherford, who listed scenic Peninsula flights and baby-sitting or yard work as items that will be up for bidding. One of the most creative ideas in the auction, said Rutherford, is a cameo appearance as the mayor of Oz in the operetta’s production.
“Whoever bids on that gets to wear an amazing outfit,” said Hall.
The variety show is packed with 14 musical numbers from students and members of the community, including comedian Jay Sierra and singer Amanda Bacon, who will serve as the masters of ceremony.
As for the students, Hall said they are doing numbers from a variety of productions, including some from past Operetta Club performances.
“They’re mostly doing musicals we’ve either done or want to do,” Hall said, citing songs from “South Pacific,” “Wicked” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Entrance to the variety show is by donation and Rutherford and Hall explained that any extra funds raised will go toward equipment or lighting for the auditorium.
“A lot of groups use that auditorium, so the whole community benefits,” said Rutherford. “It should be a fun night.”
Auction and a show
What: Sequim High School Operetta Club and Peninsula Family Theatre silent auction and variety show
Why: To raise funds for the club’s May performance of “The Wizard of Oz.”
When: Auction begins at 6 p.m., variety show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Sequim High School auditorium, 533 N. Sequim Ave.
Tickets: By donation
Additional information: Free hors d’oeuvres. There will be an intermission when bidders can check their bids; winners will be announced at the end of the variety show.
