In a fantastic reimagining of a timeless tale, the learners of Montrose Primary School brilliantly staged Dorothy’s adventures in MontrOZ and back again.
Two separate groups of young performers from the Parkmore school worked with various educators and staff towards putting together a clever rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Wittily, the school titled their play The Wizard of MontrOz, and it ran in their school hall from July 16–17, using two separate casts for either evening’s showing.
“Because we had such a huge audition turn-out, we decided to have two separate casts,” said principal Sonette van Loggerenberg. “If you came for an audition, you received a role, and a performance evening allocated to you. We essentially had double joy and double creativity. The only group that’s the same is the choir, who sing the songs.”
Van Loggerenberg said she had originally not been too hyped about the idea of hosting a school production during term two, which is a busy one for the school. However, her position eased when she saw how committed learners and staff were to the project.
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“The teachers and children gave up time on Saturdays to rehearse and prepare. That is what has made this the production that it is,” Van Loggerenberg praised. “Many of the learners participating in the production play at high levels within our sports, so they didn’t have enough time to practice. They didn’t take any time to rest because they were so busy with other activities, they just continued, and I’m very proud of them for that; the production reflects their efforts.”
The production of The Wizard of MontrOz was nothing short of excellent. Dorothy’s adventure over the rainbow, in the magical, educational realm of MontrOz, was nothing short of fascinating.
Isekai’d (taken to a new world), Dorothy finds herself in MontrOz, and looking for a way home. A pink fairy points her in the direction of the Wizard of MontrOz, who is said to be all-powerful, and able to help her get back home. Along the way, Dorothy meets an overthinking scarecrow, a heartless tin warrior, and a cowardly lion – all of whom join her adventure. The wicked witch of MontrOz, a cruel-marking teacher, tries to thwart their adventure every step of the way – and the rest, as they say, is a perfectly devised school play.
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