SOMERS, N.Y. — On Feb. 5, 6, and 7, Somers Middle School will present its winter play, The Wizard of Oz, taking audiences on a familiar journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Far from feeling worn, the beloved story remains lively and energetic, according to one enthusiastic Munchkin.
“It’s a really fun and enthusiastic show,” sixth grader Ellie Tzadok said in her pitch to the Somers community.
Tzadok, who plays a Munchkin, takes pride in bringing energy and harmony to the production. “I’ve always loved to vocalize,” she said.
Having sung since she was very young, the transition from performing alone to being on stage feels natural to her, thanks to a strong support system. “I’ve always had family and friends in the audience,” Tzadok said. “I know there’s nothing I can do up there that can ruin the love.”
For fellow sixth grader Olivia Pean, confidence comes with experience. “Once you get used to being on stage, the nerves are not that bad,” she said.
Pean plays a flying monkey and a mischievous Munchkin, and she enjoys the energy the show demands. “You get to learn all the dances,” she said.
Leah Stangarone also pulls double duty as both a monkey and a Munchkin. “I’ve never been good at dancing, so it’s fun to learn,” she said.
Stangarone plays Nico, the head monkey, and embraces her role under the Wicked Witch’s command. “I’m like her pet monkey,” she joked.
She also promised the witch will leave an impression. “She has a really good witch laugh,” Stangarone said of Sofia Mendoza.
On the brighter side of Oz is Dorothy, played by Michaela Gallo. “She’s very open, not shy at all, and very expressive,” Stangarone said.
A necessity with all the powerful emotions that are presented. “I have to tap into my inner Dorothy,” said Gallo.
A tall order, the lead didn’t shy away when the play was announced. “I really wanted Dorothy,” she assured.
Nerve wracking and exciting at the same time, Gallo sites confidence to tip the scales. “You just have to go for it and go full out,” said the 8th grader.
She’s not alone at the top either. “We’re all supportive of each other,” said Gallo.
Francesca Palumbo, who plays the Tin Man, agrees. “They are all super sweet and don’t judge you if you mess up,” she said.
Opposite her, Mackenzie Picco takes on the role of the Scarecrow, where being a little awkward works to her advantage. “He’s clumsy and I’m clumsy, so I fit the role well,” she said.
Picco especially enjoys the laughs she earns. “It’s really a fun feeling when I realize, ‘Oh, I made somebody laugh,’” she said.
Bryn Hewitt agrees. “I like playing Uncle Henry because I get to play a silly role,” she said.
On four legs, Sienna Cheung plays Toto and approaches the role with dedication. “I’m watching a lot of dog videos and studying the way my dog walks and sways,” she said.
Beyond the humor, Cheung enjoys Toto’s role in setting the story in motion. “It makes me feel very proud of myself,” she said slyly. “I rebel against a lot of things, and I’m the main reason Dorothy got into this mess.”
While the production features plenty of song and dance, the message goes beyond finding the way home. Tzadok summed it up thoughtfully: “What you’re looking for in yourself can only be found within yourself — not by journeying to a far-off place on a Yellow Brick Road.”
And, of course, she hopes Somers takes the journey with them. She’s confident audiences won’t be disappointed.
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