By LINDA CONNER LAMBECK
12/13/2007
BRIDGEPORT — Tornadoes in Kansas, snow in Connecticut — it's all the same to a Central High School acting troupe who, weather permitting, hopes to showcase a semester's worth of hard work in a production of "The Wiz" this weekend.
"These kids are amazing. They've worked so hard," Annamarie Lee, a teacher and adviser to Central High's Drama Club, said Wednesday during what turned out to be — with classes canceled Thursday by snow — a final dress rehearsal before debuting tonight.
Lee, who has been working to rebuild the drama program at Central, has assembled a cast of 26 and crew of 20. As late as two weeks ago, some parts were still being cast as some students found it too difficult to juggle the intense rehearsal schedule with schoolwork.
As it was, Porsha Williams, a senior playing the brain-challenged scarecrow, couldn't get a looming psychology test off her mind as she eased on down the stage in a red straw hat.
"This is my dream role," said Williams, who remembers as a young child watching Michael Jackson in the role. "He made it seem so exciting. I think this is the greatest thing I've ever done."
She said the biggest challenge for her has been to learn how to stay focused and make time for schoolwork, the play and other after-school activities.
"I know at the end it's going to feel so great," she said.
Robin Rudd, 17, another senior, plays Dorothy. Although she's had leading roles in other productions, this is the first time she's been the lead.
"It's good. Though I'll tell you now, the snow is not my friend," she said.
Lee took a minimalist approach when it came to scenery for the production.
"I want the kids to shine through because they're amazing actors. They can make the show with no scenery and few props," she said.
The Emerald City, for instance, is represented by green-tinted shades worn by its citizens.
This production also marks the premiere of $30,000 worth of lighting and sound equipment on the Central stage.
Lee chose "The Wiz" because it was the choice of many seniors in the troupe, who last year helped her to revive the Drama Club.
"It's a perfect show for them," Lee said. A modern retelling of the "Wizard of Oz," with a bit of an attitude, "The Wiz" features music that is upbeat and catchy.
Still, even with a simple set, the production involves enormous effort.
In rehearsals since Columbus Day weekend, the production has two student assistant directors, Lynnette Repollett and Hannah Vollenweider, and an assistant student choreographer, Biana Alejos.
Repollett and Alejos both pull double duty for the show, with the former portraying Eviline the Bad Witch and the latter as Glinda the Good Witch.
"The Wiz" will be performed at Central High School, 1 Lincoln Blvd. — weather permitting — at 7:30 p.m. today and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. If the tonight's performance is canceled by the storm, it will be rescheduled for next Thursday. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens; $1 for children at the Saturday matinee. To reserve tickets, contact alee@bridgeportedu.net.
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