Youngsters Perform in ‘Wizard of Oz at Christmas’

By JENNA RHUDE

The Progress

Anticipation filled the Fine Arts Building last week at the Clark County Fairgrounds as parents and family members filed in to watch their children perform in “The Wizard of Oz at Christmas.” Under the theatrical and musical direction of Grant Bowler Elementary teachers Cindy Olafson and Trish Andersen, the 35 students spanning from 3rd through 5th grades took the audience to the Land of Oz.

The production was staged several times last week to different audiences. But the final performance which drew the largest crowd was held on Wednesday night, Dec. 15 beginning at 6:30.

The performance was delightful. Of course, there were the traditional characters like Dorothy, Toto, Auntie Em and others. But there was also an introduction to all new characters as well. There were flying reindeer, the snowman, tin soldier, and, of course, Santa Claus.

While the storyline was similar to the familiar Wizard of Oz plot line, there was a twist to include Christmas. The songs were entertaining and creative. Christmas melody to a parody that helps tell the story of how Dorothy landed in Oz during Christmas to meet with the wizard, who turns out to be Santa.

The color elfs who narrated the story did an amazing job entertaining the crowds with their musical and dancing talents. It was apparent that all the students worked very hard to bring this play to the Moapa Valley crowd.

Bowler Elementary Music Teacher Trish Andersen watched excitedly as the room began to fill with families before the performance. There were so many attendees that extra chairs needed to be added.

“The students have met for countless practices before and after school,” Andersen said. “We could not have made this happen without the dedication from students and their parents willing to drive them to practices.”

Andersen also thanked her partner in the project, Cindy Olafson. “Ms. Olafson was amazing to work with and this never would have happened without her,” she said. “We are so excited to present Christmas in Oz to our community.”

Andersen expressed appreciation to the Bowler Elementary staff, students and parents as well as a thank you to Clark County Parks and Recreation for their continued community support.