AHS one-act cast to perform March 6

The public is invited to a local performance of “Oz” on Monday, March 4 at the high school auditorium, as local students prepare for one-act play competition later in the week.

The curtain will go up at 7:00 p.m. for a free public performance, with the group performing for the UIL judges on Wednesday, March 6 in Haskell.

Albany is reprising last year’s presentation of ‘Oz’ with a few cast changes.

“The kids had so much fun performing the show last year that they wanted to try it again,” director Chanel Hayner said. “We placedfourthindistrictand werethealternate,butthey feeltheycanimproveonthe play this year to advance.”

The Albany cast and crew will pack up props, sets, and costumes for a dress rehearsal in Haskell on Tuesday, returning on Wednesday for the actual competition.Theplays start at 10:30 a.m, with Albany performing last among the seven district schools.

“We will probably take the stage about 5:30 or so,” Hayner said. “There is about one hour allotted for each group.”

Hayneraddedthatsheis hoping for a large audience on Monday for the dress rehearsal presentation.

“We are inviting the community to come support thesekidsonMonday,” Hayner said. “They have worked so hard this year, and it really helps to have a large, responsive audience to perform for to build their confidence before the competition.”

“Oz”waswrittenbyDon Zolidis as a take-off on the original“TheWizardofOz.”

“It has been a bit of a struggle to find times to practicewheneveryonecan be there,” she said. “The kidsareallbusydoingother activities too, but since many of the parts are being played by the same people as last year, it has helped that they were already familiar with their lines.”

The main character, Beth, is reeling from her sister’sdeathandsuddenly finds herself journeying throughaworldresembling the film version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Although, in this case, the yellow brick road has been sold to foreign investors after a financial meltdown in Oz.

Beth encounters the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man, each with more issues than in the original story line – a classic gone awry.

ThecastincludesRobyn Trail–Beth,JaciChapman – Glinda the Good Witch, Ayana Molina – The Witch, Adam Hill – Props/The Wizard of Oz, Gabby Lopez –AuntCarol,BraydenWatson – Uncle Jason, Madi Parrott – The Guide/Jill, Brody Brown – Hair/Quix, Chip Chambers– Wardrobe/ Quax, Cade Fairchild – Munchkin Mayor/Guard ofOz,LandonBalliew–the Lion, Avery Everitt – the Scarecrow,andTylerChapman – the Tin Man.

The crew includes Kolt Koemel – lights, Zane Waggoner – crew, Ashley Sanchez – sound, Laithe Leech – crew, Austin Sanchez – sound/lights aide.

The top three plays will advance to the bi-district contest.

Schools in District 102A include Albany, Anson, Cisco, Hamlin, Haskell, Hawley, and Stamford.