The Mater Lakes Academy Thespians took to the stage at the Lehman Theatre in October to bring The Wizard Of Oz to anticipating audiences.
The Wizard of Oz is the Thespians’ first production of the 2017-2018 school year, and their second in partnership with Miami-Dade College. The show was a collaborative effort among the various arts programs at Mater Lakes, with Band, Drama, Dance and Art all contributing to its success. The shows were in played in memoriam for two senior thespians, Cristian Arocha and Sebastien Delagado, who passed away the Monday before the performance.
For four intense weeks, the involved middle and high school students committed their time and effort to the show. Featuring a cast and crew comprised entirely of students, they not only performed in the show, but created the sets, costumes, and props used during its run.
Yesenia Ginzo, Thespian president, took on the role of Stage Manager for the show, conducting everything behind the scenes, from lighting to scene changes. She said of her responsibilities, “Although my job is stressful, I truly enjoy what I do and I can’t wait until it is my permanent career.”
Audiences were transported to the magical land of Oz, where they laughed and smiled along with the musical’s sweetheart protagonist Dorothy Gale, a young girl living with her aunt and uncle in Kansas. When a tornado strikes their farm, Dorothy wakes up in a colorful new world where witches and wizards are commonplace. With her newfound friends, Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion, Dorothy goes on an adventure and learns there really is “No place like home.”
The leading roles were played by Veronica Ginzo (Dorothy), Brandon Gonzalez (Scarecrow), Lucas Menvielle (Tinman), and Erika Mesa (Lion). Each actor gave an energetic performance and brought new life into these classic characters that have withstood the test of time. Though The Wizard Of Oz is a timeless tale that has been told countless times before, the cast was able to put on a wildly entertaining show that still felt new despite the story being nearly 80 years old.
“Being in The Wizard Of Oz was very exciting for me. It’s one my favorite movies and now I had a chance to act in it,” said Gonzalez.
“It let me step into the shoes of a young heroine and into a world of magic,” said Ginzo, who put in endless hours towards perfecting her role as Dorothy.
Menvielle, who made his theatrical debut at Mater Lakes as the Tinman, adds, “This being my first production, I was thrilled with how it turned out.”
Erika Mesa, the lovable, laughable lion, said “I’m glad that I was able to spread joy to people…even if it meant making a fool of myself.”
The International Thespian Society at Mater Lakes Academy is entering its third year, with over 50 members and 30 inductees for the 2017-2018 school year. Membership is lifelong, and gives students a creative and dramatic outlet for the performing arts. The next show is High School Musical, coming to the Lehman Theatre in December, featuring members of the school’s baseball and cheerleading team.