The Emerald City is coming to the Bay of Plenty as Pāpāmoa College prepares to dazzle audiences with its whole-school production of The Wizard of Oz.
Set to run from July 16-20, the musical is more than just a college show – it’s a full-scale theatrical celebration powered by courage, aspiration, resilience and empowerment, said director Nicole Sarah.
Featuring 47 students on-stage, 15 backstage crew members, an army of student volunteers painting and crafting, and contributions from staff and three departments including props, animation and set design, this production exemplifies a true kura-wide effort.
The cast and crew have traded in their school holidays for intensive rehearsals, tech run-throughs and fine-tuning every cue.
Lighting, sound, AV, choreography, set changes and costume fittings are being refined to perfection, all thanks to the unwavering dedication of students and staff alike.
“We’ve got builders, designers, choreographers, technicians, marketers, makeup artists and even a real dog involved, all working together to make the magic happen,” said Sarah.
“It takes courage to perform, to lead, to take risks – and our students are rising to the challenge with aspiration and heart.”
The buzz around Oz extends far beyond the auditorium. During Term 2, classrooms became creative hubs with handcrafted props, painted sets and animated AV backdrops emerging from every corner of the school.
The collaboration includes efforts from the Poutama programme, Media Studies, Senior Hard Materials, a prop-making crew, a dance crew and set-painting volunteers, each led by a dedicated and passionate member of staff, Sarah said.
Publicity efforts have also been in full swing, with radio and newspaper interviews, a community competition and stunning promotional imagery thanks to the talents of Victor Sarah.
“This production embodies everything we stand for at Pāpāmoa College: Courage. Aspiration. Resilience. Empowerment. We can’t wait for you to join us in Oz,” Sarah said.
Pāpāmoa College will dazzle audiences with its whole-school production of The Wizard of Oz from July 16-20.
The production is based on the beloved MGM classic and features the original score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, with adaptations by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Wizard of Oz is on from July 16–19 at 6.30pm, including 1pm matinees on July 19-20. Tickets cost adults $25; student (school age): $15; family (two adults and two children): $60; under-5s are free but must sit on a guardian’s lap.
A cabaret table experience add-on for $30 per person on top of the ticket price provides premium seating at exclusive cabaret tables (just 10 tables per show, six seats each), with a delicious selection of food served before the performance, dessert served at intermission, and a more immersive theatrical experience.
Cabaret seats are unallocated and in high demand, so early booking is advised. Tickets are available at: Eventbrite.co.nz.
Sarah said this production is not just a show – it’s a testament to what’s possible when a school community dreams big and works together.
“Whether you’re a fan of Dorothy, the Tin Man, or Toto, Pāpāmoa College invites you to follow the yellow brick road to an unforgettable theatrical adventure. See you in Oz!”