The Manchester Township Middle School Drama Club will present “The Wiz “ on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at 7PM in the Manchester Twp. High School auditorium. Tickets are $3.00 for students and $4.50 for adults, available at the door. 

The play, The Wiz, by William F. Brown with music by Charlie Smalls, is adapted from the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and follows the same story line as the classic film. 

Director Claire Rutz said, “We chose this version because there are more opportunities for leading roles with songs; instead of 2 witches, there are 3 witches with solos - even Auntie Em has her own song. We have made a few changes, though. We are trying to present a cuter, more fun version. ”

The costumes, for instance, are brighter and more fun, said Rutz. A group of teachers, under the direction of Life Skills teacher Linda Bleeke made most of the costumes and the 'Stage Brains,' the student set and props crew, made masks and hats. Music teacher Nancy Condardo is the set designer.

Sydney K., who plays the Scarecrow, said she is really excited about the production. "I love the Wizard of Oz and this like a spinoff of it. It's really cool and interesting to present the story in a different way."

Jill H., who plays the Tin Man, said that she likes that the school's production is more upbeat and fun than the original version. "We're doing it with a much more fun tone," she said.