They have been rehearsing and practicing their songs, including “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead,” for the past couple weeks.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Ashley Graf, choreographer for the Munchkins. Several of the students performed as Munchkins in Stebens’ production of the classic in 2009. “We’ve got 12 very animated Munchkins.”
The show is at 7 p.m. Tuesday at North Iowa Community Auditorium, presented by Alliant Energy Foundation and First Citizens National Bank as part of the North Iowa Area Community College Performing Arts Series.
Local youth performing as Munchkins are Marcus Buttweiler, Ava Ciaverelli, Randy Davenport, Alexia Davis, Kayla Davis, Skylar Hall, Katie Keenan, Henry Klatt, Jace Leininger, Kaylee Millard-Maulsby, Tyler Ogaard and Natasha Orton. They are directed by Graf and Stacy Larson.
The kids have practiced all of the music and are learning where to be on stage, said Graf, who has had to work in extra rehearsal time this weekend to make up for a previous cancellation.
The children are looking forward to the experience of working with a nationally touring production.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to be in a national touring play. It’s sort of like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Millard.
“It’s pretty cool to be a Munchkin again but this time with professionals. I liked it the first time I did it,” said Leininger, who played the part of a Munchkin at Stebens in 2009.
“I’m happy I’m a Munchkin again. It’s amazing to have this opportunity,” said Davis.
For ticket information, call the NIACC Box Office at 1-888-466-4222, extension 4188. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.niacc.edu. For more information visit www.wizardofozontour.com.
Front Row: Natasha Orton, Marcus Buttweiler, Skylar Hall, Ava Ciavarelli
Middle Row: Randy Davenport, Kaylee Millard-Maulsby, Jace Leininger, Tyler Ogaard
Back Row: Katie Keenan, Kayla Davis, Alexia Davis, Henry Klatt
