Last week, the St Clare of Assisi community went off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz. He was definitely ‘a whiz of a whiz’, as were the cast, crew and musicians!

As it is St Clare of Assisi’s 30^th Anniversary Year, there was great excitement in Term 1 when it was announced that our Extravangza would be The Wizard of Oz. After all, who doesn’t love the 1939 award-winning Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy! And who doesn’t remember all the words to Somewhere over the Rainbow!

After months of rehearsals, St Clare of Assisi’s production of The Wizard of Oz finally took to the stage last weekend at the Moira Najdecki Theatre, St Mary MacKillop College, Padua Campus for four incredible performances. Many of our families went 3 times, because they loved it so much!

Daisy B (Year 6) took the lead role of Dorothy, Caitlyne M-B (Year 5) was the Scarecrow, Jade M (Year 5) was the Tin Man, Sam A (Year 6) was the Cowardly Lion, Evie R (Year 6) as Toto, James T (Year 6) as Main Monkey , Lacey W (Year 6) and Maddison T (Year 5) were Aunt Em,  Kaden G (Year 5) was Uncle Henry, Lilah B (Year 6) was the Wizard of Oz, Tilly F (Year 6) was Glinda the Good Witch and Mahlia E (Year 6) was the Wicked Witch of the West. They were joined by curious Munchkins, Emerald City Dancers, Flying Monkeys, and even a group of Evil Trees!

Director of the Wizard of Oz, Mrs Jo Thomson said, “The students were magnificent in their roles, whether they were performing on stage, supporting the cast or backstage crew. And they absolutely loved seeing their friends, family and teachers in the audience!”

Of course, as Mrs Thomson pointed out, a production like this does not happen without an amazing team. “It was wonderful to welcome Brianna White, Claudia Moritz and Charly Lehmensich to lead the Munchkin Dancers, Cherie Ruzvidzo and Vanessa Sefton to lead the Emarald City Dancers, Belinda Breen to co-lead Monkey Dancers Cherie Rudvidzo to co-lead the Finale. Their vision, patience and creativity, as well as their energy was phenomenal throughout our Oz journey. Thank you!”

As every Wizard of Oz fan knows, no journey down the yellow brick road would be complete without Dorothy in her signature gingham dress! The Wallington Village Craft Group took on the Herculean task of Wardrobe and Costumes. Over four long months, Little Nan, (aka Brianna’s White’s Nan) along with her craft group and helpers, made and altered costumes for more than 100 performers, some of whom had numerous costume changes, I know you would agree that the costumes were truly spectacular!

We would also like to recognise individual members of staff who helped to make the production a success. Thank you to Backstage – Kate Blenkin, Brigitte Sutcliffe and Nick Purcell, Program and Make-up - Cheyenne Symons and Brooke Coles, Sets and Props – Vanessa Sefton and Wayne Dunn, Costume and Design – Brianna White and Chris Peterson, Administration – Katherine Austin, Jo McCarthy, Annette Galvin, Tracy Mowlam, Susan Strickland, Karen Snowball, Andrew Aifantis and Leanne Lowe, Performer Support – Margo Smith, Honi, Keisha and Kiki and Leanne Lowe, Kayla Murray and Emma Parsons for Facepainting.

And we'd like to recognise the staff, teachers and parents who gave up their time to supervise students during rehearsals and shows, along with the professional services staff who helped to move equipment, organise buses, create the program and promote the show.

A big thank you to the members of our community for your support including Sophie Tozer and Harry Hatch for Tech crew support, Anthony Caffrey for Photography, Justine Buckley for being our Videographer, Niluka De Silva for costume and hair, Wallington Village Craft Group for Costumes and Carissa Blayden for her generous cupcake donations. 

“We might have some tired students (and staff!) on our hands after four great shows,” said Mrs Thomson “but it was a fantastic experience. Hopefully, The Wizard of Oz is a memory the students will treasure long after they finish school.”

A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Wizard of Oz, but in the words of Dorothy, “There’s no place like home!” Rest up everyone – you were fabulous! 

Acting Principal

Jo Reed