Bravo! Finley Middle School Drama Club Performs The Wizard of Oz

The R.M. Finley Middle School Drama Club recently captivated audiences with their production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. The show featured a company of 60 dedicated students, including a full cast and student stage crew.

Directed and music-directed by Courtney Sack, the production was the result of months of rehearsal and collaboration. Sack, who also managed costume and lighting design, was supported by Assistant Director and Choreographer Lori Levy, Sound Design by LIVE Inc., and set construction by Christopher Moll and Stewart Levy.

In her director’s note, Miss Sack expressed immense pride in the cast and crew, noting that the students’ dedication was essential to bringing the complex show to life. She also offered a special farewell to the graduating 8th graders, many of whom she has worked with since the third grade.

The production featured Brianna Pietri as Dorothy, supported by Ava Zuppardi (Scarecrow), Isabella DeLuca (Tin Man), and Matias Moreno (Lion). The ensemble was rounded out by a wide array of Munchkins, Crows, Jitterbugs, and Winkies.

The technical execution of the show was managed by a student-led crew:

Stage Management: Cole Martinez and Joseph Garcia.

Technical Assistants: Students managed music, sound, and lighting cues throughout the performance.

Artistic Teams: Groups of students were responsible for the maintenance of sets, props, costumes, and makeup.

The success of the show was made possible through the support of the Finley community, including Principal Mr. Iocolano, the school’s custodial and office staff, and the many parent volunteers who donated their time to the production.

Congratulations to all 60 students involved in this successful run.

R.M. Finley Middle School Drama Club: Full Cast and Crew

The Cast

Dorothy: Brianna Pietri

Aunt Em: Alessia DaSilva

Uncle Henry / Tough Guy: Mack Hopkins

Hunk / Dorothy’s Companion: Patrick Gonzalez

Hickory / Dorothy’s Companion: Declan Sullivan

Zeke / Crow: Owen Glidden

Miss Gulch / Jitterbug: Alyson Rivera

Professor Marvel / Jitterbug: Zoe Nossa

Cow Herder / Apple Tree / Guard: Molly O’Connor

Cow / Toto: Ana Alvarenga

Rowboat Men: Valentina Gonzalez Bonilla (#1), Juliette Martinez (#2)

Glinda / Girls’ Chorus: Siena Iovino

Munchkin Officials: Mackenzie Alessandro (Mayor), Annabelle Silecchia (Barrister), Grace Becklo (Coroner)

Wicked Witch: Lyla Eschenauer

Scarecrow: Ava Zuppardi

Apple Trees: Molly O’Connor, Angelic Santana, Stella Zias

Tin Man: Isabella DeLuca

Lion: Matias Moreno

Doorman / Tot / Girls’ Chorus: Tali Vogel

Oz Woman / Crow / Girls’ Chorus: A’sani Jackson

Oz’s Voice / The Wizard / Crow: Tate Bennett

Nikko / Ensemble: Christian Castriota

Winkie Leader / Crow / Jitterbug: Kelsie Martinez

Munchkin Tots: Skyler Basile, Vivienne Glowinski-Cave, Tali Vogel

Munchkin Tough Guys: Jason Andrus, Mack Hopkins, Christopher Ruffini

Munchkins: Angeli Davila (#1), Stella Zias (#2)

City Mother & Father: Sochikaima Anaekwe, Nachikamdi Anaekwe

Crows: Tate Bennett, Ace Del Rosario, Owen Glidden, Valentina Gonzalez Castro, A’sani Jackson, Kelsie Martinez, Tova Roren, Jianna Rush

Jitterbugs: Mackenzie Alessandro, Skyler Basile, Grace Becklo, Vivienne Glowinski-Cave, Kelsie Martinez, Zoe Nossa, Alyson Rivera, Jianna Rush, Annabelle Silecchia, Stella Zias

Girls’/Emerald City Chorus: Sochikaima Anaekwe, Alessia DaSilva, Valentina Gonzalez Bonilla, Valentina Gonzalez Castro, Siena Iovino, A’sani Jackson, Juliette Martinez, Molly O’Connor, Tova Roren, Angelic Santana, Tali Vogel, Nachikamdi Anaekwe, Owen Glidden, Patrick Gonzalez, Declan Sullivan

Winkies/Flying Monkeys: Mackenzie Alessandro, Jason Andrus, Skyler Basile, Grace Becklo, Ace Del Rosario, Vivienne Glowinski-Cave, Mack Hopkins, Kelsie Martinez, Zoe Nossa, Alyson Rivera, Christopher Ruffini, Jianna Rush, Annabelle Silecchia, Stella Zias

Stage Management: Cole Martinez (Stage Manager), Joseph Garcia (Assistant Stage Manager)

Music Crew: Liana Dondero, Madison Drew

Sound Assistants: Jayla Moore, Daniela Murgas Perez

Sets & Props: Michael Costantino, Arianna Cruz, Lily Cruz, Elliana DaSilva, Zaya DuBois, Carmine Montesano, Xavi Robles, Roger Zhao

Costumes & Makeup: Isaac Guerra, Kadence Koopmann, Emily Lebowitz, Mackenzie Mora Rangel, Sarissa Yanes, Antonella Zambrano

Lights: Mia Burgos Farfan, Ava Capobianco