Mercer County Students Bring Magic Of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ To Life

April Ellis
Herald Staff

Follow the yellow brick road this spring as students from Mercer County Senior High School take the stage in a lively production of “the Wizard of Oz,” a show that blends classic storytelling with student talent and collaboration.

Drama teacher Emilee Givens said the decision to produce the beloved musical was a thoughtful one, aimed at continuing to grow and strengthen the school’s theater program.

“We felt this group of students had the talent and range to really bring this show to life,” Givens said. “It offered the right balance of challenge, accessibility and growth for both our students and our program.”

Beyond its recognizable songs and characters, the story’s themes of courage, compassion and belonging struck a meaningful chord with students. Givens noted that the message of “There’s No Place Like Home” carries special significance as the production brings together students from both middle and high school levels into one unified cast and crew.

This year’s production is based on the Royal Shakespeare Company stage version, which stays true to the original story while expanding it for theatrical audiences. One unique addition is the lively Jitterbug scene, a high-energy number that was cut from the original film but adds excitement to the stage adaptation.

Students have embraced the opportunity to be part of such a well-known production, Givens said, with older performers stepping into mentorship roles for younger cast members participating in their first show.

“It’s really been a full group effort,” she said. “We’ve seen students take on leadership roles both onstage and behind the scenes.”

In addition to acting, singing and dancing, students are gaining valuable technical experience in set construction, lighting, sound design and stage management. The production also helps build essential life skills such as teamwork, time management and problem-solving.

Bringing the Land of Oz to life has come with its challenges. Coordinating schedules across two schools and managing the technical demands of the show required careful planning and collaboration. Still, Givens said the creative process has been rewarding.

The production features a striking visual contrast between Kansas and Oz. Kansas scenes are kept simple and muted, while Oz bursts with color and energy. Special effects, including lighting and fog, help create iconic moments like the journey from Kansas, and audiences will have to see the cyclone for themselves.

Audiences can expect a fun, family-friendly performance filled with humor, heart and memorable musical numbers.

“Theater helps students build confidence, communication skills and resilience,” Givens said. “It fosters creativity and collaboration, which are valuable no matter what path they choose.”

She added that community support plays a vital role in sustaining school theater programs, both by providing resources and by showing students that their work matters.

For Givens, one of the most rewarding aspects of directing the show has been watching it all come together.

“Seeing students take ownership of their roles and bring everything together into a full production has been really exciting,” she said.

As the curtain rises, the students of Mercer County invite the community to join them on a journey down the yellow brick road—one filled with brains, heart, courage and a little bit of magic.

We’re off to meet the Wizard when the King Middle School/Mercer County Senior High School Drama Club’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” begins Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. at Mercer County Senior High School (1124 Moberly Street). There will be two performances on Saturday, April 25, at 2 and 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Ticket are $12, $8 for students. For more information, visit gofan.co/event/5938060?schoolId=KY2789 or call 859-733-7160 or visit their Facebook page @mcsh.performing.arts.

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