Every great story begins with a destination. But sometimes, the most important part of the journey is discovering just how special home really is.
That message feels especially fitting in Lexington Two this year. With “Destination Schools” serving as the district’s theme, students from across Lexington Two are preparing to take audiences somewhere far beyond the rainbow for this year’s collaborative district production of The Wizard of Oz. And while the journey may lead to the magical land of Oz, at the heart of this beloved story is a lesson that perfectly reflects the spirit of Lexington Two, there truly is no place like home.
What has become a special tradition in Lexington Two returns October 29 and 30, bringing together students and educators from schools across the district for one shared production.
This year’s show is directed by Ms. Caitlin White of Airport High School Theatre, with musical direction by Ms. Amanda Wrona of Airport High School Chorus. Ms. Stratton of Busbee Creative Arts Academy is leading choreography, while Mr. Sparkman of Brookland-Cayce High School Theatre serves as technical director.
Students in grades 3–12 were invited to audition, making the production a true districtwide collaboration. Students of different ages, from different schools and with different talents are coming together with one goal, to create something memorable for their community.
For White, that spirit of collaboration is one of the things that makes the production so special.
“Collaboration allows us to showcase artistic strengths of each production team member and create the best show possible. We are stronger together!”
That philosophy extends beyond the students on stage. Theatre, music, dance and technical production are all coming together, allowing each member of the creative team to bring a different strength to the journey.
A Familiar Story, With a New Destination
Generations have grown up knowing Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Wizard. But audiences shouldn’t expect this production to simply recreate the Oz they have seen before.
The creative team is approaching the familiar story with a fresh vision, finding new ways to introduce audiences to characters they already know and love.
Mr. Sparkman said,” We want to tell an intimate, cozy story to the audience with character designs that are set apart from their traditional counterparts.”
That vision will be reflected throughout the production, with costume, set and puppetry designs helping create a version of Oz that belongs uniquely to this cast and creative team.
It is an ambitious undertaking, but perhaps that is part of the magic of a districtwide production. Students aren't simply stepping into familiar roles, they are being challenged to make those roles their own.
What Would You Find Over the Rainbow?
For Airport High School senior Me’Kaylah Haynes, who takes on the iconic role of Dorothy Gale, the question at the center of the story is about much more than reaching a faraway destination.
When asked what she imagines being over the rainbow, Me’Kaylah imagines “equality, peace, love and overbearing joy.”
And while audiences may arrive expecting ruby slippers, a yellow brick road and characters they have known since childhood, the cast hopes they leave remembering the people who brought those characters to life.
Brookland-Cayce’s Connor Christly, who plays the Scarecrow, believes there is something special about this particular group of performers.
“It takes a special kind of magic to make those types of characters come to life, and the cast of the Wizard of Oz definitely exceeds that standard. From Dorothy, to the Tin Man, to the Wizard himself, our cast just knows how to bring a character to life and that is the most important part.”
That “special kind of magic” is being created by students from across Lexington Two, students who may attend different schools during the day but who become one cast when they step onto the stage.
And that may be one of the most meaningful parts of this collaborative tradition. The production gives students an opportunity not only to perform, but to build relationships, learn from one another and discover just how much can be accomplished when the talents found throughout Lexington Two are brought together.
Following the Yellow Brick Road Home
Me’Kaylah is especially excited for audiences to experience both the magic and inspiration behind Dorothy’s journey.
She says, ‘Seeing this production would guide you down the yellow brick road through all the ideas of exactly what you’d find beyond the rainbow. If you click your ruby red slippers, you’d find that there’s truly no place like home.”
Before the curtain officially opens to the public, the production will already have a packed house. More than 800 Lexington Two students and chaperones are expected to attend an invited dress rehearsal at 10:00 a.m. on October 29, providing students from throughout the district the opportunity to experience live theatre while cheering on their fellow Lexington Two students.
Then, it will be the community’s turn to make the trip to Oz.
Public performances of The Wizard of Oz will be held October 29 and 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center. Tickets for both public performances are available. https://l2pac.ludus.com/index.php
This year, Lexington Two is celebrating its Destination Schools. And perhaps there could be no more fitting production than one built around a journey, a journey filled with unexpected friendships, courage, heart, discovery and the realization that what we are searching for may have been closer than we realized all along.
For this cast, the road to Oz begins in classrooms, rehearsal spaces and schools throughout Lexington Two. It brings together elementary, middle and high school students, teachers and directors from across the district. And eventually, all of those roads lead to one stage.
So, this October, bring the family, take a seat and follow Lexington Two down the Yellow Brick Road.
The destination may be Oz, but the journey will remind us all why there’s truly no place like home.