SoLA is off to see the Wizard

There’s no place like the stage for SoLA Center for the Arts’ junior acting class.

The cast of 5 to 10 year olds takes to H.L. Bourgeois High School’s stage May 6-7 at 7 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m. with a two-act adaptation of “Wizard of Oz.”

“They’ve really worked their little hearts into it,” SoLA executive director Anna Richard said of the cast. “They’ve learned their lines, the songs and blocking, and gave up evenings and Saturdays to rehearse. They’re all excited about the show opening and performing in front of a crowd.”

“Wizard” is the culmination of SoLA’s 15-week junior drama classes. The production is directed by Aline Schoin and a former SoLA acting class graduate Dylan Hughes.

“It was Dylan who convinced me that we should do ‘Wizard of Oz,'” Richard said. “He was very persuasive that this was the perfect show for these kids.”

Based on the classic movie with Judy Garland, “Wizard of Oz” tells the story of Dorothy, whose house was lifted in a tornado only to be dropped in Munchkinland atop the Wicked Witch of the East. The young girl, played by 11-year-old Ryleigh Thibodeaux, a 5th grader at St. Matthew’s Episcopal School in Houma, and her dog, Toto, 6-year-old Kiana Tarr, a first-grader at Coteau Bayou Blue Elementary School also in Houma, set out to find home.

Ryleigh is in her second year with SoLA. She’s transitioned from playing a reindeer in a past performance to handling the lead role – which includes two solo songs.

Among her dozen siblings, Ryleigh is the first to be bitten by the acting bug. But it’s not where she sees herself long-term. “I’d like to be a dentist when I grow up, but I’ll still have a side that enjoys acting.”

For her part, Kiana spent time watching her pug Lexie and German shepherd Ruger to ready for her part. “I learned to bark and growl,” she explained.

Along the way to meet Oz, the pair meet up with the Scarecrow (Sarah Clement), the Tin Woodsman (Grant McClain), the Cowardly Lion (Remy Fontenot) and, of course, the Wicked Witch of the West (Lillie Neil).

“My favorite part is getting to scream at people,” 10-year-old Lillie said of her villainess role. “My older sister thinks it’s pretty fun that I’m the Wicked Witch since she thinks I like screaming so much already.”

The first-year SoLA student is in the fourth grade at St. Francis de Sales Elementary School in Houma. While she’s enjoyed the spotlight, Lillie said she aspires to be a writer, possibly one day penning children’s stories.

It’s Glinda, the Good Witch, played by 9-year-old Carlie Hay, who helps set Dorothy on the right path.

A fourth grader at St. Francis, Carlie is a veteran of the stage. She’s appeared in local productions of “Annie” and “High School Musical.”

To the question, how are you like Glinda, the youngster thought for a moment and then brightly replied, “I’m beautiful!”

Coincidentally, Carlie and Lillie are best friends.

SoLA director Richard said the production also includes the Wizard, winged monkeys, enchanted trees, poppie flowers, storm girls and Aunt Em.

“The children have been wonderful, wonderful and attentive students,” play director Schoin said. “They have great talent this show. They’re still learning, and we’re still teaching them how to do stage business, adding the extra fun tidbits in the show. I look forward to seeing onstage how they do.”

Youngsters interested in acting are encouraged to sign up for the summer drama camp, which is scheduled for July 5-28. The class is open to youngsters age 7 to high school seniors. The cost is $260, and the registration deadline is June 17 at 6 p.m.

The summer camp group will perform “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” July 29-31.

“We’ll teach theatre direction, how to harmonize, singing as a group, choreography, voice, projection, stage combat, stage movement and pantomime, improvisation characterization and stage crafts,” Richard said. “This is ideal for students who can’t attend during the school year because class conflicts with other things. It’s a great way for kids to learn the process behind theatre.”