Walpole Middle School Students Are 'Off to See the Wizard'

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Bob Murphy.

The Bird Middle School students proudly showcased their brains, their heart, and their courage before an overflow crowd at the Bird Middle School Auditorium last Thursday and Friday evening as Dorothy (Christine Murray, Celia Walsh) and her three trusty sidekicks followed the Yellow Brick Road out of Munchkinland on their way to see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. 

The Wizard of Oz was the 31st annual BMS Spring Musical performance. Over 150 of the middle schoolers at Bird participated in the performance, which was the culmination of 10 weeks of daily rehearsals. Bird double-casts nearly all of the lead roles in the spring musical in order to maximize the opportunity for student participation.

Dave Cuzzi, the Spring Musical Producer, sees the growth in his performers - not necessarily the polished finished product - as the reason behind the success of this spring staple at Bird.

“What impresses me the most is the confidence they get from performing,” Cuzzi said. “For many of these kids, this is their first time on such a big stage. But even more important than their performances this evening are the lasting bonds they build with one another; and the trust that they now have in themselves and one another to work together and to help achieve a common goal.”

The L. Frank Baum production showcased the epic journey to Oz by the Kansas schoolgirl, Dorothy, and loyal entourage of the Scarecrow (Jake Witherell, Gregory Bond), the Tin Man (Haley DiMartino, Brenna Dunne) and the Cowardly Lion (Dennis Crowley, Ryan Barry). Dorothy’s trip along the Yellow Brick Road is eventful, indeed, as she encounters one obstacle after another tossed in her path by the Wicked Witch of the West (Mia Straccia, Kelsey Mazzocca) along with the Wizard of Oz (Ava Straccia, Mikaela McSharry) himself.

But true to herself, Dorothy (with a little help from Glinda, the Good Witch of the North played by Madeline Herlihy and Audrey Lynch) finally realizes that there is, ‘no place like home.’

The cast of the Wizard of Oz would like to thank the sold out audiences from Thursday and Friday nights’ performances for such wonderful support. The Spring Musical performers would also like to thank the future middle school actors and actresses from the Old Post Road and Boyden Elementary Schools who had the chance to witness the fun in the special matinee performances earlier in the week.

Lastly, BMS is extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of the Team of Directors comprised of administration, teachers and staff who along with vocal coach Kathy Earabino supported Producer Cuzzi day in and day out in this ‘Ozian’ endeavor.