More than 400 guests packed the gym at Walter Whyte School on May 12 to watch a fresh twist on a classic story, as students brought The Wizard of Oz… and Toto Too to life on stage.
Fifteen Grade 6, 7 and 8 students hit the stage, putting on a dazzling show for the crowd. The play followed Toto’s point of view of the magical events that took place during The Wizard of Oz. He shared his saga of meeting Chew Toy (a talkative scarecrow), Shiny Girl (a tin woodswoman) and Big Cat (a cowardly lion) before facing the Great Oz.
Since March, the cast rehearsed more than 40 hours after school to prepare for their big day. They were directed by Mr. David Juvonen and Ms. Breanna Sparling, with backstage support from Ms. Emma Easton, Mrs. Chanel Erickson, Mrs. Carolyn Farquharson, Ms. Melody Freeman and Ms. Janee Laberge.
Gloria Juvonen, WWS principal, said she loved witnessing the students transform into their characters.
“Seeing a group of young actors – all except for two were in Grade 6 – take on the spirit of their characters, learn their lines and dedicate their time and energy to 90-minute rehearsals, three times a week, all after school, was a highlight for me,” she said.
Record Photos Submitted
This was Mr. Juvonen’s final production after directing 13 drama performances at WWS. He will be retiring in December after 34 years of teaching. He described his last show as bittersweet.
“The feeling you get from students when they are about to perform, seeing the nervousness and anticipation – there’s nothing like seeing them succeed,” he said.
WWS presented him with a bouquet of 13 chocolates. He noted he is thoroughly enjoying the treats and has forgotten to share with others.
“I am a little sad at all these ‘moving on’ moments, but happy to know that there are wonderful staff members here at Walter Whyte who I know will do a fantastic job continuing with our productions in the future,” Juvonen added.
