The most recent Bedford production was of the Wizard of Oz, an impressive show that the took time and effort of many seventh and eighth grade students. The students practiced almost everyday for three hours after school, working on their singing, acting, and dancing to put on a breathtaking performance for other students, parents, and faculty at Bedford.

The original Wizard of Oz was produced on August 25, 1939. When a tornado rips through Kansas, a young girl, Dorothy, and her dog, Toto, get swept away in their house to a land of wonder and magic, known as Oz. They go on a journey to the Emerald City, hoping to find the great and powerful wizard of Oz to take them back home. Though she got interrupted numerous times to help others who joined her on her magical adventure to the Emerald City, she gained four great friends who helped her along the way; the brainless scarecrow, the heartless Tin Man, and the cowardly lion. In order to get the wizard’s help, they had to complete “one simple task”: get the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West.

From the long rehearsal hours to the excitement the actors feel when on stage, it creates friendships between the cast.

“You become family with the rest of the cast and, by the end of the play, you’re not just playing best friends on stage, you really have become that close with these people,” said 8th grader Ally Schwartz who played the Tin man on the Friday night show, along with Saturday matinée.

The crew put in a lot of time creating the set of the play, along with the costumes that really brought the show together.

“It was very busy getting ready for the show, and dancing takes an insane amount of time,” said Ms. McCormick.
There is a lot going on during the show; you are always excited and at the edge of your seat.

“The cast, crew, costumes, and makeup all worked together and gave 110% to create something so amazing! Everyone involved was so kind and supportive and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!” said Chloe Manna who played Dorothy on Friday night, along with Saturday matinée.

“The Wizard of Oz” actors felt alive when they were on stage acting.

“It was the best show that I’ve ever done at Bedford, and I had so much fun. As soon as I got on stage, I felt the energy in the room and just became the Scarecrow,” said by Colin Konstanty, the Scarecrow in the Friday night show and Saturday matinée.

“Being on stage was awesome because you were in the spotlight and the whole cast and crew were fun to be around. It was a great middle school show for me,” said Jack Edwards, who played the Lion.

The last time the Wizard of Oz production was done at Bedford was during the 1990s. For past years, the music has been alive during the shows. This is the first year doing the show with a recording and it has been a success.

Everyone worked hard to put on the show, and it blew everyone away.