BHS to Present The Wizard of Oz

The drama department is “off to see the Wizard” on April 11-14 as “The Wizard of Oz” will be presented in the PAC.

The musical follows the story of Dorothy and her faithful dog Toto are caught in a tornado and wind up in the magical land of Oz. In the land of Oz, Dorothy meets The Wicked Witch, Glinda, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion. Each of the characters are on a mission to meet the Wizard of Oz, to return home, to get a brain, to get a heart, and to get courage. Along the way, exciting and often scary adventures await Dorothy and her friends until they meet the Wizard who grants their requests to reach the Wizard of Oz, and fulfill his requirements to receive their respective requests.

The musical features Maddie Pessman a senior, playing Dorothy, who is thrilled to be performing in her first musical.

“The Wizard of Oz has been my favorite musical since I was a little kid, so it is very exciting to have the chance to be part of it. Also, I enjoy getting to know new people, and I love all the friendships I have already made. I am beyond excited to see how everything comes together for this show,” Pessman said.

The musical also features Alex Obert as the Scarecrow, Aiden Doe as the Tin Man, and Will Luebke as the Cowardly Lion, who join Dorothy along her adventure to Oz.

“Musical season is the best season. The Cowardly Lion is genuinely hilarious and quite complex. He switches his mood or tone so incredibly quickly, it's fun to do. I also love spending everyday after school with the people I love most,” Luebke said.

Other students involved are Sophia Pike as the Wicked Witch of the West, Hannah Wilson as Glinda, Luke Seybert as Uncle Henry/Guard and Abigail Saathoff as Aunt Em.

“I am so beyond excited to be a part of this year's production, The Wizard Of Oz. The rehearsals so far have been so much fun! We always have such a good time around each other, and over time the cast becomes a family.

Glinda is such a fun role to play, and I cannot wait to be involved with the kids, and other cast members and truly see this show come to life. The theatre program at BHS is truly something special,” Wilson said.

Rehearsals for the musical began Tuesday, Jan. 15, with a full read through of the show with the entire cast and will continue nearly every day until the show.

The musical will take place on Apr. 11-14 in the Bettendorf High School performing arts center.