Patriot High School’s first musical production proves there is no place like home, even if home is a new high school.
The school will present “The Wizard of Oz.” on May 3, 4 and 5 from 7-10 p.m. in the auditorium.
“I chose the two big shows, 'Romeo & Juliet' and 'The Wizard of Oz', because both have incredibly recognizable scripts, and I could guarantee a community response--fill seats and build recognition,” said Director Kathryn Facemire.
Facemire is an award-winning director of student productions who came to Prince William from Hanover County, following Dr. Michael Bishop, Patriot’s principal. She has already launched Patriot's theater program by placing sixth in the Virginia High School League One Act Play Festival.
One disadvantage Patriot faced with its new program was having few resources--no props, sets or costumes. Facemire said she used to resent the sheer amount of stuff her past drama programs had collected over the years; but she soon realized how much she had taken for granted as she scrambled to get everything the production needed.
“I’ve been telling (the students) it doesn’t matter what you spend money on (the show), if you have the enthusiasm, the commitment and the courage to display your gifts and confidence,” Facemire said.
Not that being in a brand new, expansive auditorium does not have its perks. Experiencing her own “we’re not in Kansas anymore” moment, the director cried when she first saw the facilities. But she also knew she had a great challenge ahead, producing a noteworthy musical with younger, less experienced actors.
“We don’t have a senior class. But they are mind-blowingly dedicated and committed, and work really hard."
For the student ensemble, the show has forced them out of their comfort zones, and provided them the opportunity to blend separate cliques from different schools and become a cohesive group.
Scarecrow actor D.J. Davis Jr. transferred to Patriot the day of auditions. Although he did not know a single person, he decided to audition.
“I’ve done lots and lots of musicals and plays, so I figured I might as well start it again at my new school,” Davis said.
Now he feels he has a family within the Patriot theater community.
Anne Oyhenhart, who plays the Cowardly Lion, was surprised by the degree of professionalism she has experienced over the past two months.
“It’s a different level of dynamic here,” said Oyhenhart, who previously acted in shows at Gainesville Middle. “I don’t think I’ve worked as hard at anything in my life. All the kids here are incredibly talented, but talent is not what makes the show; it’s hard work, sweat, blood and face paint.”
Facemire said that one of the advantages of musicals is that they tend to be more inclusive, drawing upon the talents of students from a variety of disciplines, such as acting, singing, dancing and even athletics.
Dorothy is being played by theater newcomer Madison Wilson, a girl’s lacrosse player, who comes to theater by way of choir. After attending two different high schools last year, theater helped her to make new friends, as well as to discover new talents and passion.
However, Wilson is joining experienced actors as well. Kaelin Carreiro, who plays Glinda the Good Witch, has been on stage almost her entire life, while breakout star Will Scheid, who played Romeo and now the Tin Man, is only in ninth grade.
Fans of “The Wizard of Oz,” should expect a show that is true to the film, but also unique, since Facemire encouraged her student actors to develop their own interpretations of the characters.
“It’s a traditional ‘Wizard of Oz’,” said Facemire. “People are very protective of their childhood 'Wizard of Oz' memories.”
Meanwhile the cast members will be making their own memories, while building a theatrical legacy that will live on at Patriot.
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