Bristow High School’s “The Crew” has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on their rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Continuing to build on their budding culture of excellence in musical theatre has been challenging this year with the pandemic. The student actors have had to navigate a litany of Covid-19-related safety precautions including singing in masks, dancing while socially distanced, conducting rehearsals through zoom, dealing with repeated quarantines, and more. Despite all these hurdles, the cast and crew are determined to bring this show to the citizens of Bristow. Di rector, Wyatt Freeman, chose the show as a direct response to the feelings of depression and hopelessness brought on by the pandemic. He says the iconic messages of friendship and hope can help the community remember better days are ahead. Shows will be performed daily at 7p.m. from Feb. 18 to the 20 with an additional 2 p.m. Matinee on Saturday. Seating within the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts will be incredibly limited so purchase of tickets in advance is recommended. Limited tickets will also be available at the door. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and $8 for teachers, medical workers, firefighters, police, and veterans. To inquire about ticket sales call Mr. Freeman at (580) 504-0297 or email wfreeman@bristow.k12.ok.us.
Sophomore, Leigha VanOrsdol, said: “COVID has changed the feel of rehearsals but not the emotional closeness you get being a part of the cast. It certainly is a little difficult having to adjust as people in the cast get quarantined. That’s why we have understudies this year. Watching them be able to both perform minor roles and memorize the major role proves how talented the crew truly is.
We also rehearse with masks or face shields on. Personally, that isn’t much of a hassle. The worst part of it is how hot it gets while dancing in a mask, but the safety of everyone involved is the absolute top priority.
One thing that hasn’t changed despite the pandemic is the feeling I get while in rehearsals or talking about the musical. I feel like everyone is my friend, and I feel excited. No matter what COVID throws at us, this cast will do its best to put on a great production.”
Junior, Mackinsey Darrough, who is also the show’s dance captain, said: “My name is Mackinsey Darrough, and I am a Junior at Bristow High School involved in the musical the Wizard of Oz. I am in the ensemble and have the role of dance captain and assistant choreographer. I have cochoreographed with Allie on many of the songs and have a feature of my own choreography in the song Merry Ol Land of Oz. The best way I can describe being in the musical is that it is quite an experience. It has been wonderful so far, but a bit more difficult! The cast is required to wear masks, and/or shields, this complicates the communication especially for me as dance captain. Whenever I need to help someone with a step, it is pretty hard to understand each other through our masks. However, I have improved at reading body language so I guess that’s a new skill in my toolbox.
Another precaution the cast, Mr. Freeman, Allie, and Mrs. Hall have taken is the use of youtube to allow the cast to view all of the dances and songs from anywhere. This helps the cast, so that if/when we are in quarantine or unable to attend we can look at these videos to help us understand the steps and concepts of what needs to be presented. This show is the first musical that Bristow has done with understudies, in precaution to Covid. In addition, being in the musical has been a stressful but extremely positive experience. I have come to appreciate even the little moments in my life. This is because I have learned through the practices that being stressed out about being perfect at your lines, choreography, or songs is not worth it if you’re not enjoying yourself; Allie the choreographer of the musical made me realize that during one of our choreography sessions on the weekend. After that weekend, I realized that nothing has to be perfect and to just enjoy the process of creatively creating something of your own. Covid may be having a negative impact on our community but I hope this music can bring back that little bit of joy out of all the stress, just like Allie did for me.”