KMCH Radio

Beckman Presents "The Wizard of Oz"
03/24/2008

This weekend in Dyersville, you'll find munchkins, witches and flying monkeys...as Beckman High School presents their spring musical "The Wizard of Oz". Everyone knows the classic story of how a twister carries Dorothy and her dog Toto to the magical land of Oz...but the Beckman students hope to liven that up by adding some fun surprises and special effects to their production of the show. Ben Deutmeyer, who plays the "Tin Man", and Tessa Hoffman, who plays the "Wicked Witch", hope to keep the audience entertained.

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The students involved have spent countless hours preparing for the big show, which will debut on Wednesday to area senior citizens and school kids. Becky Derr, who stars as "Dorothy", says the cast and crew have put in a lot of work since January.

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Directing all of those rehearsals in preparation for the big show is Jeff Jacque of Dyersville. A Beckman alum himself, Jacque has helped direct Beckman's fall plays and spring musicals for a number of years, and he says this show will be his last musical production. Ian Goldsmith, who will play "Scarecrow" in this year's show, says Jacque will be missed next year.

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This year's seniors will also miss being a part of the musical itself. Senior Cassie Koetz, who will play "Cowardly Lion", says being involved in music has brought her many close friendships.

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"The Wizard of Oz" will take stage at Beckman High School Auditorium this Thursday through Monday. Due to the number of tickets already sold, and for just the second time in school history, the show times have been extended to include a fifth performance on Monday night. Show times are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and next Monday at 7:30 pm, with a sold-out Sunday performance at 3 pm. Reserved seats are seven dollars each, and can be purchased at the Beckman High School office.