As the curtain prepares to rise on Newfield High School’s production of The Wizard of Oz, it’s not just the familiar story of Dorothy and her journey down the Yellow Brick Road that’s taking center stage, it’s every student behind all the work that it took to bring The Wizard of Oz to life. From actors under the spotlight to the crew working quietly backstage, this year’s production highlights a shared message: every role matters.
Performances are scheduled for March 20th and 21st at 7PM, and on Sunday the 22nd at 1PM in the Aiosa Auditorium at Newfield Central School District. Sunday’s show will also feature the Senior Presentation, serving as the final performance for the production’s senior class. For many of the seniors involved, they will be taking their final bow and celebrating their work, their growth, and the community they’ve built through theater.
Averi Daley, who plays Dorothy, is stepping into her biggest role yet. “It’s my first time playing a really big role.” Daley said, sharing her excitement as she prepares to perform the iconic song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Hannah French, a senior portraying the Wizard of Oz, shared the enthusiasm. “I genuinely enjoy this role so much, I would say this is my favorite role,” she said, noting that the show’s technical elements, like the illusion of a floating head, make it especially memorable.
Nicole Henry, cast as the Wicked Witch of the West, said landing the role was a personal goal. “It’s the role I wanted that I auditioned for, so I’m happy I got it,” she said. “The Wicked Witch is very sassy, very moody, and there’s a lot of emotions I can express on stage.” Having performed since sixth grade, Henry described her final high school show as “bittersweet” as she will miss performing at Newfield, but looks ahead to continuing performing theater in college.
Behind the scenes, senior Ryan VanDeMark serves as stage manager, coordinating the complex moving parts of the production. “Just seeing everyone’s work that they put in through rehearsals,” VanDeMark said, is what motivates him most. While the actors bring the story to life onstage, backstage teamwork drives the production, a dedicated student crew ensures everything runs smoothly behind the curtain.
Lilly Taylor, assistant stage manager, has taken on an expanded leadership role this year, overseeing scene changes and helping manage the fast-paced backstage environment. She expressed her confidence that “We’ll put on a good show.”
Students are also stepping up in technical roles. Rita Salce serves as the lighting board operator, jumping in earlier this year and learning the system on the fly. Aa’Keya Miller is responsible for running the sound board, helping balance audio for the entire performance. Between the two, they’ll be executing cues that create everything from Kansas farm sunsets to the Witch’s dramatic entrances. Together, these students highlight the importance of technical theater, where timing, precision, and teamwork are just as critical as the performances themselves.
Director Shea Heffron brings a full-circle perspective to this year’s production, having once been a student in Newfield’s theater program herself. Now leading the show, she draws on that experience to guide students both onstage and behind the scenes, emphasizing the importance of every role.
Assistant Director Jeffrey Allen, who is also a former Newfield student, has worked on almost every single musical Newfield has put on, “There's only two shows out of all those banners up there that I was not a part of” he said, and that the productions at Newfield’s theater “just keep improving every day”. The show also reflects strong community involvement. Local volunteers, including alumni and community members, have helped paint sets and support the production process, creating what organizers describe as a “past to present” collaboration.
As opening night approaches, anticipation continues to build, not just for the performances, but for the culmination of months of effort from students across all areas of the production. While Dorothy’s journey may end with a return home, for Newfield’s student performers and crew, this production represents both an ending and a beginning for what comes next. While there may be a wide world out there to explore, there is no place like home in Newfield.
Performances of “The Wizard of Oz” will be held at Newfield High School, in the Aiosa Auditorium at 7:00PM on Friday March 20th and Saturday the 21st. On Sunday the 22nd a final performance will be held at 1:00PM.