The Poplar Bluff High School Drama Club is kicking off its play series tomorrow with a “behemoth” of a production, according to directors, featuring a cast and crew of 57 from multiple grade spans.
“The Wizard of Oz” will grace the stage for the first time on drama teacher Nick McDaniel’s watch with shows slated for 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 14-16, and matinee performances scheduled for 1 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, in the Kay Porter Theater.
“This show is special because it combines the collective nostalgia everyone has for the story with the difficult technical requirements of a stage production,” McDaniel explained. “…I never thought I’d construct a 12-foot tall puppet, but theater allows you those sorts of unique opportunities.”
This is the third production McDaniel has been able to incorporate elementary students in, following “Elf” and “Beauty and the Beast,” since he took the helm in 2017. A dozen third graders from elementary schools across the district successfully auditioned for roles that will include members of the Lullaby League, the Lollipop Guild and others from Munchkin Land, along with flying monkeys.
“If including elementary students helps us foster a love of the arts at a young age, it’s worth the scheduling nightmare that comes along with it,” McDaniel noted. “My high school students always seem to enjoy being role models for the younger kiddos, and the younger kiddos always love to brag that they’ve been working with high school students!”
Actors have been meeting daily after school since September, said McDaniel, adding: “I am so proud of every one of them for their talent, dedication and determination.” Serving as assistant director for the past few years is his spouse, Michelle, an educator of Lake Road Elementary School.
Additional productions planned for the Drama Club this school year include the eighth annual “Whose Line is it, Anyway?,” the improv team’s showcase of “Clue: Onstage (High School Edition),” and “The 2-Week Film Race.”
Tickets cost $5 at the box office, by way of cash or check, with all proceeds benefiting the Drama Club.
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Cutline: A guard greets Dorothy, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, as they attempt to visit the Wizard.