The Wizard of Oz Takes Center Stage at PCA’s Sixth Annual Benefit Production

PCA’s Drama Club, and a mix of other talented students, transported the benefit audience to the Merry Old Land of Oz from 24 to 26 February 2022. The benefit dinner play, based on the movie Wizard of Oz, was a success among audience members young and old. Katie Furr, PCA’s Head of School, commented, “the amount of energy and effort that goes into our plays each year is amazing. The cast and crew did an incredible job of shining throughout this performance. Everything from the costumes to the set, to the acting, was truly first class.” The play truly does take a great amount of effort to pull off each year, and the product is a wonderful performance.

The play was not only entertaining for the audience, but it was also a very meaningful experience for the students involved. Many felt that there was a family dynamic among the cast and that the play had impacted their lives in a good way. “I feel like if we are not as close to each other, then it will not flow as smoothly. Our cast and crew are like a little family with each other, and it helps us to work together well,” said Maggie Kervin, who played the Wicked Witch of the West. The cast and crew members spent a lot of time together rehearsing for the play. Emma Fountain, another member of the cast in the role of Glinda, also enjoyed the relationships and bonds that she made during the play, saying, “ I connected with everyone very quickly, and we all became like a family.” Fountain said that her favorite part of the play was being able to interact with many people and make new friends. These meaningful relationships that were built among the cast and crew will last even beyond the final bows; the play makes such a positive impact on so many each year. 

Although, transforming the stage into the Land of Oz could not be done without the amazing stage crew and all of those who worked behind the scenes. Every year, the benefit dinner and play are the largest fundraiser for the school, and Maranda Green, a member of PCA’s Advancement Office and the sponsor for the school’s Drama Club, played an important role in ensuring its success. “There are so many moving pieces to [the benefit dinner], like setting up the tables, seating all the guests, and hoping that the financial goals are met,” said Green. She also commented on some obstacles surrounding the production, “There were a lot of different costume pieces and multiple costume changes [in the play], so it was hard to make sure that everyone had what they needed when they needed it.” The crew, however, rose to the challenge and did an amazing job ensuring that everything ran smoothly. “We all had our ups and downs, but in the end, we got through it and put on an amazing show,” said Mykala Pichea, the production’s Technical Director.

The cast also overcame some obstacles. Sixth-grader Chase Newsom, who played Dorothy, said that she struggled because “it was [her] first year actually auditioning for a role outside of the chorus…. [she] had to get out of [her] comfort zone a lot.” The play not only pushes students to be the best they can be but also develops perseverance. Ellie Babcock, a seasoned performer in PCA’s Drama Club, who played the role of the Scarecrow and Hunk, stated that some of the biggest challenges among the cast and crew this year were scheduling issues and sickness, and she had to overcome some personal challenges as well between “college responsibilities and having a job.” Though difficult, these challenges make students stronger in the long run and can even help them beyond high school.

During the show, students learn and develop skills that are beneficial to them both on and off of the stage. According to PCA senior Mykala Pichea, “the things that I have learned while being on the tech crew for the play will help me in college and potentially my future career.” Pichea plans to pursue higher education and continue her passion for music in college. Learning how to work the lights and sound can be very beneficial for students in their future careers, as can many of the other parts of production. This group of exceptional students and dedicated directors and coordinators make it possible for students to pursue their interests and establish the groundwork for the future. Every day, the faculty and staff at PCA strive to prepare Christian leaders for life. What Drama Club students learn now, whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, can impact future generations beyond them. Things like communication, management, and technological skills that students learn while working on the play will benefit them for the rest of their lives. It takes the work of dedicated staff and these talented students to really make a difference, and the future looks bright.

By: Julia Smith ’24
Journalism Student