LAKEPORT — Things are hopping at rehearsals of “The Wizard of Oz.” While Carol Dobush, director, is in one part of the theater running lines and staging movements with the adult performers, Jenna Radke is rounding up 20-plus children ranging from the ages of 3 to 13, who will be performing as Munchkins and Poppies, going through the songs they will be singing and teaching them when to get on and off stage, as well as choreographing their movements
As a fifth-grade teacher at Burns Valley School in Clearlake, Radke said she has had a lot of experience with youngsters and gets great satisfaction when she feels she is helping them to build their confidence and discover who they are in a safe environment.
The first time the Munchkins and Poppies went through their whole number without prompting, Radke jumped on stage and shouted out “Holy Moley, Guacamole, you were great.” This made all the children laugh, motivating them to do even better. Radke said she is very impressed with all the hard work the children have put into their roles. They come to all the rehearsals, pay close attention and have fun while performing.
Radke has been involved in theater for 15 years, the last three with the Lake County Theatre Company. Her favorite role was as nurse Wendy March, in the musical melodrama “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux.”
“The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, is being put on as a part of Mendocino College Lake Center”s theater and performance class and Lake County Theatre Company and will be performed at Lake County Fairgrounds” Little Theater. Performances take place at 7 p.m. May 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 and 2 p.m. May 15 and 22. Tickets will be on sale in mid-April. For more information, contact Suna Flores, producer, at 279-2595.
