Looks like we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Sounds of hard working teens with power tools and hammers blare through the air while the scent of wood and fresh paint lingers around the workshop. With the deadline nearing and many more jobs still left to do, the tech theatre class works diligently yet carefully to create the bold and beautiful props for the upcoming musical, The Wiz. 

The Wiz is an African American 70s culture twist based on the book by William F. Brown with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls.The story revolves around “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum.

“Bell bottoms are a big thing. The costumes have crazy geometric shapes from the 70s. We did a lot of research about the time period and the culture before we put the costumes together,” senior Isabella Poy said.

This year many things are changing behind the scenes compared to last year’s show “Little Shop of Horrors” by Roger Corman, Howard Ashman, and Charles B Griffith. It was performed in January, giving the cast and crew much more time to work on their production. The Wiz is debuting earlier than ever and tech theatre is there to help put the show on the road.

“Normally, Tech I doesn’t help with the show this early in the year,” Tech Theater Teacher, Mrs. Becca Glaze said. “Last year, Tech I worked in class and had individual projects and now they’re learning with more hands-on experience. It’s kind of insane.” 

The production’s show times are Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. and Oct 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Student admission is $10 and adult tickets are $15. The revenue made from tickets goes toward upcoming shows and more learning experiences for the students. Visit ShowTix4U to order tickets.

“Little Shop of Horrors was just one world, but with The Wiz there’s so many colors and different worlds that all come together to make the show beautiful,” Mrs. Glaze said.