Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! It must be the sound of the high school spring musical auditions. 

Throughout the week of October 25th-29th, eager auditioners signed up for a chance to participate in the upcoming spring musical, The Wizard of Oz.  Auditions were held after school in the orchestra and choir rooms to determine the acting, dancing, and singing ability of the candidates. 

Prior to the auditions, a few of the hopefuls shared information regarding their desired role and why they want to take part in the musical. 

Mary Grace Austin (10), Auditioned for: The Wicked Witch of The West – “I had a good time with the Junior High Musical, and I want to do that again,” Austin said. 

Nora Oprisko (9), Auditioned for: The Munchkins or The Scarecrow – “I’m short enough,” Oprisko laughed. “Also, I just really like being in plays and musicals.”

Lydia Miloudi (9), Auditioned for any role – “I never got to be in the musical for 7th or 8th grade because they got cancelled, so I want to be this one,” Miloudi said. 

The following week, the final castings were revealed, and students crowded around the choir bulletin board in search of their names. 

Isaiah Ayala (11) and Aubrey Flynn (11) review the final casting list outside the choir room. The list had been posted after school on Friday, November 5th, one week after the auditions took place.

Some highlights include:

Kaitlyn Mumford as Dorothy Gale

Ellie Chandler as Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch

Hannah Idrissi Alami as Glinda

Nino Muratori as Zeke/The Cowardly Lion

Ryan Dukes as Hickory/The Tin Man

Brendan Duffy as Hunk/The Scarecrow

Stephen Talbert as Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz

Dozens of others were chosen to portray the Ozians, Winkies, Poppies, Munchkinland Citizens, and Trees. More information will be given to the actors on November 30th, when the first practice will take place.