Although she was waging a losing fight against cancer, Eileen Markwalter was insistent last fall as to what would be the next musical production that the students at Weehawken High School would put on.
“Eileen said to me, ‘I think we can do ‘The Wizard of Oz,'” said Kathy Terpak, who has worked with the theater program since Markwalter brought it back to the school five years ago. “She said that she had a good feeling about doing the show. We knew we couldn’t put the movie on stage and it would be a tremendous undertaking.” After all, to perform “The Wizard of Oz” would take an extensive cast, with all the Munchkins and the residents of the Emerald City, not to mention the main characters. When you talk about behind the scenes personnel, like lighting, scene design and music, it becomes a large number for a school with a small enrollment like Weehawken.
Still, Markwalter thought it could be done.
When Markwalter passed away three months ago, it was up to Terpak to take over as director while the rest of the musical responsibility was placed on the shoulders of musical director Steve Spinosa.
“It required tons of scenery, with 28 scene changes,” Spinosa said. “It was definitely one of the more elaborate shows available.”
A cast of more than 60 people. An elaborate scene change structure. Costumes galore. How does a small school pull off such an event?
Simple. By turning over a lot of the important organizational tasks to students. With Terpak acting as the director and Spinosa overseeing the music, the students are handling the rest of the off-stage supervisory roles.
“All of the areas of production are being run by the students,” Spinosa said. “We liked that idea. The kids have come through and it’s worked very nicely. It was a huge undertaking and we couldn’t have done it without allowing the students to take over. I mean, there are special effects that have to be done, with the tornado and the Wizard and flying monkeys. It takes a lot of work. And it couldn’t have been done without expecting the students to do as much as they’re doing.”
Terpak agreed.
“You don’t do something like this unless you truly love it,” Terpak said. “Everyone is being asked to learn practically every part of the show and the kids are doing everything. They’re doing the makeup, the wardrobe, the lights, the stage crew. It’s been a little busy, getting everything done. Once I knew I was getting involved, I knew I would let it take over my life.”
Well, the months of preparation have wound down to a precious few days, because the production of “The Wizard of Oz” will be held this Friday, March 30, beginning at 7 p.m. at the school auditorium. Those interested in attending might want to make plans as soon as possible, as the school’s previous productions have played to sold-out crowds.
A local organization called Weehawken Against Drug and Alcohol is once again sponsoring the production.
Terpak has enjoyed taking over the reins as director from her late friend.
“I think it has helped that everyone knows “The Wizard of Oz,'” Terpak said. “You know the story, you know the songs. It is a fun show to do.”
And one that has been highly anticipated by the student performers.
The players
Carla Naya is playing Dorothy. Naya, a senior who has performed in the annual productions since she was in eighth grade, never got a chance to earn a true starring role before. But when the opportunity came up to audition to play Dorothy, Naya jumped all over it.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I always loved ‘The Wizard of Oz,'” Naya said. “Everybody does. But when I was little, I always pretended to be Dorothy. I used to do all those kind of things with my sister. So when the auditions came up, I was so nervous, because I knew it was my last chance and I wanted it so badly.”
Naya loves the challenge that comes with becoming Dorothy Gale of Kansas, who knows there’s no place like home.
“I’ve never been involved with something so big before,” Naya said. “It’s a big cast and a big production. I have a bunch of costume changes. It’s definitely a challenge, but I love it. It’s been a lot of work, but I think it’s going to be well worth it.”
Terpak was enthused to see so many first-year performers auditions for parts, like senior Mike Maione, who is playing the role of the Cowardly Lion.
“When I was little, it was my favorite movie,” said Maione, a varsity football and baseball player, who is also involved in a host of other extracurricular activities. “When I was five years old, I went to see ‘The Wiz,’ on Broadway, and I had my picture taken with the Cowardly Lion, so maybe there was a little destiny here.”
Added Maione, “I never thought I would get involved in the play, with acting. But when I saw they were doing ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ I said, `Why not?’ I can’t sing a lick and I have two solos to sing. Hey, I even sing more than Dorothy. I never thought this was possible.”
Maione has been juggling a very hectic schedule, with the baseball season set to begin next week.
“I’ve been going to baseball practice in the morning before school, then going to play practice at night,” Maione said.
He had to be reminded that they are called “rehearsals” in the acting game.
“It’s been a hectic time and taken a lot of time, but it’s been a lot of fun,” Maione said. “I think the audience will enjoy the show as well.”
Terpak thinks that Maione is a natural actor.
“Michael has been prepared to play this role his entire life,” Terpak said. “We’ve had a lot of talented kids come out of the woodwork for this show and it’s been great.”
“I think the audience will be amazed with the cast, with how big the show is,” Naya said. “I also think that everyone has been placed in the character that best suits their own personalities. It’s uncanny. But I think the show is going to be great, be spectacular.”
Other than Naya as Dorothy and Maione as the Cowardly Lion, the cast is comprised of eighth grader Martha Frazier (Scarecrow), senior Daniel Fleming (Tin Man), senior Barbara Bialkowski (Wicked Witch of the West), senior April Caruso (Glynda, the Good Witch) and freshman Jordan Young as the Wizard.
The production also includes students from grades seven through 12, so the entire student body is represented. It also brings a sense of unity between kids that would normally never be caught dead together anywhere else.
“It’s a tribute to the kids that they’ve been so close together,” Terpak said. “Everyone has fit in well and that’s been wonderful.”
Plenty of people have chipped in to the cause. Parents, along with students and other friends, have volunteered their time with putting the fabric together for costumes and with help constructing the set. Teacher Josephine Cilia has put together the program.
“The whole thing is a labor of love,” Terpak said. “For everyone involved.”
Terpak believes the community will be pleased as well.
“I think we’ve all been surprised just how well things are turning out,” Terpak said. “It should be a fun show and the audience will be pleasantly surprised as well.”
Terpak knows that she has had some special guidance through her directorial debut.
“I really feel Eileen has been with us throughout,” Terpak said. “She’s been with us in spirit and you could feel her every day. The program wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her. This is her show and we’re doing it for her.”
Tickets for the Weehawken High School production of “The Wizard of Oz” on Friday, March 30, are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children and senior citizens. It is recommended that tickets be purchased before the show. For further information, contact Weehawken High School at 867-1774.