Although highway access to the Lower Mainland is a controversial topic, Powell River residents are invited to follow the yellow brick road to Musical Theatre Kids’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.
The classic tale featuring Dorothy and her ruby slippers is the latest offering from the children’s troupe and will include actors aged 11 to 17, plus a number of specially invited younger Munchkins.
The show will also be a farewell of sorts for Sydney Spenst, 17, who is aging out of the troupe.
“It is bittersweet, but I am grateful,” said the grade 12 Brooks Secondary School student. “It has been such an adventure.”
Spenst has been part of every one of the troupe’s performances since she was 11, beginning as Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland and playing Tin Man in this latest production.
“It was a ton of fun,” said Spenst of playing the evil queen, “and not hard at all to get into character.”
Spenst said she enjoys fostering confidence in young actors, and as a children’s musical theatre teacher at Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy, she uses what she has learned to guide others.
“Musical theatre really breaks kids out of their shells,” said Spenst. “It is really fantastic seeing [students] grow from being really timid to trying things out and having fun.”
Musical Theatre Kids choreographer Paige Anderson, also the artistic director at Tamasik’s academy, said she really hopes Spenst stays around to help and teach after she graduates.
“She is doing such a fantastic job,” said Anderson. “I have more work for her next year if she wants it.”
It is the end of an era for director Carma Sacree, who said she is going to miss having Spenst in future productions.
“She is a lovely girl and so dedicated,” said Sacree. “I can give [Spenst] any part and she’ll have her lines memorized in no time.”
Although Spenst has plans to study musical theatre in the future, she said for now she is just enjoying the fun of being in a show with people she cares about, including her sister Haley, 14, and best friend Jeremy Hopper, 17.
“It is harder to get work done some weeks,” said Spenst, “because we are laughing so hard.”
The Wizard of Oz performances take place at Evergreen Theatre, Powell River Recreation Complex, at 7 pm on Thursday, February 11, Friday, February 12, and Saturday February 13. A matinee performance starts at 1 pm on Sunday, February 14.
