CHHS theater students will perform familiar musical on Saturday

The Troy community will receive a taste of Broadway, as the theater students of Charles Henderson High School feature the musical, “Oz.”

The all-student production will give 40 students a chance to debut the first musical held in the CHHS new cafetorium on Saturday.

The journey began almost four months ago with auditions for the starring roles and a search for who would help out behind the scenes.

“In the beginning, it was somewhat frustrating because it was a long process,” said CHHS theater teacher and musical director Hope Hinson. “All of their hard work will be well worth it.”

For most of the students, the play is required for their musical theater class. Students who are somewhat shy of the spotlight are receiving hands on experience with the technical aspect of the musical. These students are handling the lights, the music and the control of the curtains.

Hinson said the audience should expect a lot of singing and a diverse group of students. There are students from all grade levels performing.

“The musical will be the same storyline as the original one, but all of the songs are different,” Hinson said.

Although, students did not make their own costumes, they all had a hand in creating the props for the production.

With the help of Troy City Schools, the Arts Council and a few other sponsors, Hinson was able to secure all the costumes for the students who are participating.

“The total cost of the play was $800 and we are more than appreciative of our sponsors,” Hinson said.

The students know they will see familiar faces in the audience, but that will not keep them from being a little nervous.

Kacie Gibbons, a ninth-grader who will play Dorothy in the musical, said that this is not her first role in a play, but it is her first major role.

While Gibbons has already had time on the stage, that isn’t the case for all the students.

“I am a little nervous. This is my first time in a play and I am nervous,” said 11th-grader Teyonna Johnson, who will play the part of the lion.

“I know when I walk on the stage in front of the audience I will be more comfortable.”

Tenth-grader and scarecrow Timea Neal said she really isn’t worried about being in front of a crowd because she’s very outgoing.

The musical is open to the community and begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $5, both in advance and at the door.