FDR High School Students Bring Classic ‘Oz’ Musical To Life

HYDE PARK, NY — The Franklin D. Roosevelt High School President’s Players will bring the classic musical “The Wizard of Oz” to life on stage, featuring one of the largest casts in many years, including elementary students portraying Munchkins.

The classic story is well known to many and centers on Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto who find themselves in the Land of Oz and try to find a way to get back to home in Kansas.

Along the way, Dorothy meets the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, two different witches and the Wizard of Oz.

Audiences will hear many of the iconic music and songs from the 1939 MGM film with additional numbers not heard in the movie.

Music teacher Amy Martin, who directs the stage version, said that, as the movie celebrates its 85th anniversary, the characters and songs are as memorable as ever.

“It will surely be a show to remember,” she said.

Freshman Stella Plant, who will be playing Dorothy in what is her first President’s Players show, said she is not only grateful to be able to play the role but is slightly intimidated by portraying such an iconic character.

“There’s a little pressure on me because everyone’s expecting a big role,” she said in an email. “I’m trying to make my Dorothy both Stella and a little bit of Judy Garland.”

This is not the first time Plant has played Dorothy. She performed on the FDR stage in elementary school as one of four young actors who played the character in a production of the show staged by the New Deal Creative Arts Center.

Plus she is more than familiar with the movie and the original L. Frank Baum book, having been introduced to both at a young age.

“My mom got me into it when I was little and she made me read the book,” Plant said. “I fell in love with it.”

The show will be presented on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 9 with performances at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, March 10 with a 2 p.m. performance. An open dress rehearsal will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7.

Tickets can be purchased here. They are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School is located at 156 S. Cross Road in Staatsburg.