Students from Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) in Winkler are taking audiences over the rainbow this April with a vibrant production of The Wizard of Oz. Taking the stage April 24–26, the musical features an enthusiastic and passionate cast of students, including Julia Loewen as Dorothy and Taylor Hildebrand as Glinda the Good Witch.
Stepping into an iconic role
For Loewen, stepping into the ruby slippers of Dorothy has been a rewarding challenge.
“I’ve definitely been very blessed with this role,” says Loewen. “It’s exciting to grow through being Dorothy. It’s been a process with trying to figure out time management and other things like that, but it’s really great trying to be kind of the leader of this musical.”
Loewen shared that becoming Dorothy revealed some of the character’s unexpected quirks: “She’s very flip-floppy. One minute she’s completely terrified, and the next minute she’s like, ‘Oh, I’m fine,’ and just moves on. She acts way younger than she probably is. But I do tend to make friends everywhere I go — so I can relate.”
Related stories:
- Win your way to the Burt Block Party
- All in the April evening: A choral celebration across generations
Out of the comfort zone and into a bubble
Hildebrand takes on the role of Glinda, a character that required her to stretch beyond her usual persona.
“Glinda is definitely a role that’s very out of my comfort zone,” she says. “I sing in lower sections and don’t wear a lot of pink, so this has been an exercise in acting and in accessing that more confident, uptight side.”
Despite the challenge, Hildebrand embraces the opportunity. “I wanted to challenge myself… It’s fun to be a little snarky sometimes. I wanted to grow and come out of my bubble — no pun intended.”
The magic behind the curtain
The show is directed by music teacher Melanie Urichuk, who has inspired generations of students through her work with GVC’s music programs and Brandon Jazz Festival involvement.
“We’ve definitely been very grateful to have Mrs. Urichuk,” says Hildebrand. “She’s one of the most supportive and constructive teachers I’ve ever worked with.”
Loewen adds, “She really stepped up as director, and she fit perfectly into the role. She really whipped us into shape.”
Puppeteering Toto
A standout element of this year’s production is Toto, who comes to life through puppetry.
“Toto is a puppet played by one of our grade elevens, Nevae,” says Hildebrand. “She does such a great job — it’s almost like I look at this dog, and even though it’s cotton and stuffing, it’s alive.”
Urichuk explains that the puppet was created by Mr. Mark Wilson and is a rod puppet operated with skill and subtlety. “Nevae’s ability to have expression on her face that matches Toto’s and to give so much life to this little cotton stuffy is just incredible.”
A talented cast from top to tail
The show features a host of talented students in beloved roles. One of the most anticipated performances comes from Maria Bergen as the Wicked Witch of the West.
“Our Wicked Witch is Maria Bergen, who you may know for her basketball excellence,” says Loewen. “She’s very versatile — she does sports and music wonderfully. Her athletic ability really plays a role in her performance.”
Makeup for the characters — including the iconic green witch look — is being coordinated by Mrs. Carla Hiebert, who brings a background in cosmetology to the production.
With all the preparation, passion, and performance packed into this classic tale, the cast is eager to welcome audiences to their version of The Wizard of Oz.
“I think with any musical, it’s amazing to see a group of passionate students get on stage and create a story for audiences,” said Hildebrand. “Wizard of Oz is awesome — but more than that, it’s about seeing young people have fun, push their limits, and bring something magical to life.”
SHOWTIMES & TICKETS:
-
April 24 @ 7:30 PM
-
April 25 @ 7:30 PM
-
April 26 @ 2:00 PM (matinee) & 7:30 PM
Tickets are available now at eventbrite.ca.