Director’s Note
Dear Audience,
Welcome to tonight’s performance of Wizard of Oz Youth Edition. Please watch out for flying houses, cows, monkeys, and maybe a boat. Please don’t be alarmed we have it all under control. As popular of a show this is, the kids were starting to put connections to this Oz and the one from the movie/ stage musical Wicked. This show has been my world for most of my life and to be able to show these kiddos how fun it is to play these iconic roles. I had the pleasure of playing the Cowardly Lion as my first lead role in a musical my Junior year of High School. It was so much fun to show this cast how fun it is to bring life to these character but also bring your own take to the character, I have been music directing for this company for a long time now, but to now be able to direct a show that means everything to me and I would like to thank Annette and Amy for that chance. These kiddos have brought everything they have to give every Saturday and I have had the delight to see them all grow as their character and also as young performers and actors. I am so proud of what these kiddos have brought to this show and how they all helped each other day to day to learn the blocking, the dances, and the songs. Also, my team Jennifer Garner (stage manager) and Lauren Mohr (choreographer) you are both just phenomenal artists and people!! I would not have been able to pull all this off alone and you both have brought everything you have to this show.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy a family classic come to life by some of the greatest kids I have ever met and had the privilege to teach and create with every Saturday. Enjoy the magic of the Wizard of Oz.
Mark E Westphal Director of the Wizard of Oz
Wizards Behind The Curtain
Director ..................................................................... Mark Westphal
Stage Manager ........................................................ Jennifer Simms
Choreographer ............................................................. Lauren Mohr
Costumes ..................................................................... Brittney Carr
Sets........................................................ Mike Nichols & Matt Rather
Tech Director ......................................................... Annette DeYoung
“The Grand Wiz (who holds it alltogether)” ................. Amy Silvestri
Special Thanks
GameStar Arcade for the Wizard of Oz Plushies
Parent Volunteers for all their hard work
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Emma Bennington
Ensemble
Emma is thrilled to be making her theatrical debut with CTP in the Wizard of Oz. She has held previous rolls with other companies and schools. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support.
FavoriteQuote: The bravest thing you can be is yourself!
Layla Long-Williams
Munchkin; Flying Monkey
Layla is excited to make her CTP debut in The Wizard of Oz! She loves theater, art, and spending time with her family. When she’s not on stage, Layla enjoys singing, drawing, hiking, biking and watching musicals. She thanks her loved ones for cheering her on and is confident they will enjoy the show
FavoriteQuote: “A star does not compete with other stars; it just shines.”
Abri’s Hladik
Munchkin
This is Abri’s fourth production and first with CTP. She loves acting and being in the spotlight. Abri enjoys being with her friends, dance, theater and showing her creativity.
Abigail Hladik
Cowardly Lion /Zeke
This is Abigail’s sixth production and first with CTP. She is loving having a main role and the opportunity to shine on stage. Abigail also loves dance and showing her creative side.
Charlotte Callaway
Ensemble and welcoming committee
Charlotte, a fourth grade fine arts student, is full of all types of emotion and has a very outgoing personality. Despite being her first performance outside of school, she is no stranger to expressing all of those emotions in great detail. She loves music and has a great understanding of rhythm.
FavoriteQuote: Quoting lines from favorite movies is a daily occurrence.
Reagan Bjur
Munchkin City Father and Ozian Ensemble
Reagan Bjur is a kindergarten student at Johnson Elementary. She is excited to be performing in her first show with her big sister, Harper! Reagan dances at Evolve and takes swim lessons at the YMCA. She also has enjoyed gymnastics at GAR. She hopes you love the show!
Harper
Bjur
Emerald City Ensemble & Winged Monkey
Harper Bjur is a fifth grade student at Johnson Elementary School. She is active in dance at Evolve, Stingrays Swim Club, Girls on the Run, and RPS 205 Elementary Choir. Harper has enjoyed theater camps the past few years and is excited for her first performance. Enjoy the show!
Evelyn
Wax
Crow and Flying Monkey
I’m a Fifth Grader at Whitman Post Elementary. This is my second production with CTP/YTP. I enjoy listening to music, hanging out with my friends and family, and learning about new makeup trends.
FavoriteQuote: Everyone deserves a chance to fly!
Amelia Green
Professor Marvel, Wizard
Amelia is thrilled to make her stage debut as the Wizard/Professor Marvel! A 6th grader at Harlem Middle School, she’s excited to share this special experience with fellow Girl Scouts, friends, and Director Mr. Mark.
Maddie Carr
Mayor of Munchkinland
There’s no place like the stage for Maddie Carr and she’s clicking her heels with excitement for her 9th show! This 4th grader loves theatre more than flying monkeys love mischief. She’s overjoyed to be the Mayor of Munchkinland and promises to keep Oz filled with smiles and song!
FavoriteQuote: “Don’t let fear stop you from doing the thing you love”
– Buster Moon
Sydney Marshall
Rowboat Man, Apple Tree, Ozian
Sydney is so excited to be in her first theatre production ever at CTP! When not rehearsing, she enjoys playing soccer, watching Wicked, and walking her dog, Holly. Sydney is a fifth grader at St. Bridget school. She thanks her family and friends for coming to the show.
FavoriteQuote: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”- Wicked
Penny Stein
Munchkin Tor
Penny is so excited to make her theatrical with her sisters! She loves to play with dolls, read, and bounce on the trampoline!
Lily Stein
Glinda
Lily is so so excited to be this memorable character in Wizard of Oz! She most recently was on stage at Starlight Theater in Ragtime as youth ensemble and the Little Girl understudy. She was last seen at CTP in Winnie the Pooh as Piglet. Enjoy the show!
FavoriteQuote: It’s Glinda now!
Beth Stein
Auntie Em
Beth is a sixth grader at Stephen Mack Middle School. She is thrilled to be in her third production with CTP and has also been seen onstage at Starlight theater in Ragtime earlier this year. Enjoy the show!
Avery Gregg Toto
This is Avery’s 7th show and she is thrilled to get the chance to play her first supporting role as Toto! She loves being on stage, having fun with friends, and being someone else. See you over the rainbow! Ruff, ruff!
FavoriteQuote: “You have to give love before you can get it back”
Levi Butts
Tough Munchkin
Levi is thrilled to make his stage debut as part of the Lollipop Brigade! A first grader who loves making others laugh with his funny imitations, Levi also enjoys playing video games, soccer, and building with Legos. Always on the move, he’s excited to share his energy and smiles in his first show!
Scarlett Sutherland
Head Jitterbug, Ozian, Tornado Ensemble
Scarlett is 11 and in 5th grade. This is her 3rd production. Outside of theater, she enjoys dancing and playing softball.
FavoriteQuote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Christopher Simms
Munchkin, Flying Minkey
Christopher is a first grader at Marshall Elementary School and is excited to be in his 2nd play! He likes legos, Minecraft and math. He is also excited to be in the play with his sister, Eliza!
FavoriteQuote: “There’s no limit to what you can build, except your imagination.”
Eliza Simms
Nikki, Crow
Eliza is a 4th grader at Marshall Elementary school and is excited to be in her 7th play! She loves puzzles, reading Harry Potter and playing with her friends. She hopes you have a wonderful time. Eeeh- Eeeh!
FavoriteQuote: “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” — Dumbledore
Haddie Watson
Old Lady in a Chair, Winkie, Emerald City Welcome Committee
I have loved performing in Wonka Jr., Winnie the Pooh, Dinos, and Beetlejuice! I enjoy singing, dancing, going to local shows, spending time with friends, and shopping. I’m in 4th grade at St. Rita’s and love being part of the theater community. Thank you for coming! I hope you enjoy the show!
Eleanor Wood Barrister, Winger Monkey
Eleanor is a fifth grader who is in her fifth show at CTP. She loves to draw, play with her friends, and do theatre. She enjoys playing with her sister, Eliza, who is also in this show. She hopes to continue performing for many years!
FavoriteQuote: Shake it off!
Arianna Penzkover
Lead Winkie/ Apple Tree
Arianna is thrilled to be performing in The Wizard of Oz! She is 11 years old and loves singing, acting, Astronomy and dancing. This is her first theater performance, and she really enjoys bringing the Lead Winkie character to life. When not on stage, Arianna loves history and astronomy!
Lily Jaworski
Optimistic Voices and Ozian Ensemble
Lily Jaworski, a 5th grader, joins her first CTPYTP production and seventh show overall! A talented artist featured twice at the Rockford Art Museum, Lily loves theatre, art, and creative expression. She enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with her family, and cuddling with her dog Freckles.
FavoriteQuote: IDK
Ivy Mather
Tornado Ensemble, Emerald City Welcome Committee, Winkie Guard
Ivy is 8 years old and has been dancing since age 4- 2 years competitively. She loves performing and is an avid karaoke singer. Ivy’s other hobbies include reading, basketball, being outdoors, and watching Full House. In addition to CTP, Ivy is currently cast in The West Side Show Room’s “Alice”.
FavoriteQuote: “The harder I prepare, the luckier I seem to get.” - Michael Jordan
Alex Buckley
Tough Kid (Munchkin) and Winged Monkey.
Alex is 10 years old and this is his first CTP performance. He has done other productions through The Studio- Frozen Kids and How I Became a Pirate. Alex enjoys acting but also does Taekwondo and is almost a black belt in Shotokan Karate. He likes tumbling and trampoline as well!
FavoriteQuote: “Just Keep Swimming”
Thora Phelps
Ozian Welcome Committe
Thora is thrilled to make her debut with Children’s Theater Project in The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition! A 6th grader and Girl Scout Cadette, she shines in the Ozian Welcome Committee and Oz Ensemble. Thora loves to sing, play soccer and volleyball, ride horses, and her favorite musical is Hamilton!
FavoriteQuote: “If you stand for nothing…what will you fall for?”
Maddie Soutar
Munchkin Tot, Jitterbug, Ozian Ensemble
Maddie is 11 years old and in 6th grade. She has been in 7 musicals, this being her 8th and debut with the Children’s Theater Project. Her favorite character she has played thus far was being a Who in Seussical Kids. Along with performing in musicals; Maddie enjoys camping with Girl Scouts.
FavoriteQuote: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney
Emery Blanchard
Tough Guy Munchkin, Tornado Ensemble, Ozian
Emery Blanchard is storming into Oz for his third children’s theater production! When he’s not keeping Munchkinland in line, he’s busy writing epic stories or practicing to be a firefighter. He loves bike riding and hanging with his dog, Stella.
FavoriteQuote: “Stay brave, stay bold, and keep that Emerald City energy!”
Eliza Wood
City Father #2, Ozian
Eliza is a first grader who is excited to be in her 3rd show. She enjoys drawing, singing, and playing with her sister. Her favorite colors are purple and pink.
Nikki Buckley
Tornado Ensemble, Apple Tree #2 and Ozian
Nikki recently turned 12 years old and this is her 4th play with CTP but her 5th play overall. When not at rehearsal Nikki enjoys singing, tumbling, ice skating and taekwondo. She is also on a competitive dance team this year!
FavoriteQuote: “You have to hear a lot of no’s before you hear a yes”
Natalie Stern
Lead Jitterbug
Hi! My name is Natalie, and I’m in 6th grade at St. Bridget School. This is my second show, and I have loved being a part of The Wizard of Oz! I love musicals, and I’m so excited to be a part in this one. Some of my favorite musicals are Hamilton, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Grease.
FavoriteQuote: Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything.
-Alexander Hamilton
Sophia Joiner
Munchkin, Emerald City Optimistic Voice, Ozian, Ensemble
Sophia is 9 years old and attends Pecatonica Elementary. Sophia enjoys art, reading and writing. Her favorite animal is a Corgi. She enjoys performing and meeting new friends! Enjoy the show!
Kamden Ballard
Uncle Henry/Emerald City Ensemble
I’m a 5th grader at Ralston Elementary. I got hooked on theater a few years ago and loved playing Winnie the Pooh last year. I also love basketball, video games and sleepovers with my friends!
Olivia Gaziano Dorothy
If you’re reading this, then that means you’re here to see our production of The Wizard of Oz! Thank you for coming out. I am 11 years old & this is my 11th show. When I’m not singing, I’m reading, dancing, or Girl Scouting. I am forever grateful to have this chance as Dorothy; ty CTP cast & crew!
FavoriteQuote: Keep calm & act on!
Olivia Roher Ensemble
Olivia has just started 6th grade at Harlem Middle School. Go Huskies! This is her fourth production at CYTP! Some of her hobbies include gaming, reading, and drawing.
Penelope Welsh
Crow, Winged
Monkey
Penelope is in third grade at Whitman Post in Rockton. She is very excited to be in her very first show! Her favorite animals are cows and turtles. She loves basketball, swimming, and her cat Oliver. She’d like to thank her friends and family for coming to the show.
FavoriteQuote: “No more hiding, I’ll be shining like I’m born to be” from Golden in KPop Demon Hunters
Emma Jamahneh
Emerald Welcome Committee, Ozion Ensemble
Emma Jamahneh, age 9, is a creative fourth grader who loves drawing, writing stories, and playing on the field with her softball team. With imagination as bright as the Yellow Brick Road, she brings heart, courage, and joy to every performance.
FavoriteQuote: The more you celebrate your life, the more there is to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey
Halle Lenox Urbelis
Munchkin, Citizen of Oz
Halle Lenox-Urbelis is so excited to make her theatrical debut in the land of Oz! While she’s always loved the stage as a dancer, she’s thrilled to step out in a new type of performance. Halle is a 2nd grade student and loves reading, crafting, dance, gymnastics, all things cats, and Taylor Swift.
FavoriteQuote: “Just be yourself, there’s no one better.” -Taylor Swift
Vencenza Amoroso
Apple Tree #3
Vencenza (Cha Cha) Amoroso is making her sparkling debut in The Wizard of Oz! Whether she’s singing up a storm, dancing through the day, playing soccer, or cooking up something yummy, she always brings a little magic wherever she goes!
Nina Garay
Emerald City Welcome Committee, Ozian
Nina is excited to be in her first play! She is having so much fun and learning a lot. When she is not on the stage, she loves to run cross country, play basketball and read good books! Thank you to her friends and family for coming to support her!
Grace Monroe Guard, Ozian
This is Grace’s 7th musical and she loves being a part of the city of Oz. Her joy for the stage is contagious and she just can’t get enough! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
FavoriteQuote: “The sun will come out tomorrow.” Annie
Emma Welsh
Munchkin Tot 1, Ozian
Emma is in fifth grade at Whitman Post in Rockton. Her previous shows include Winnie the Pooh, Finding Nemo, and Willy Wonka as her favorite role, Oompa Loompa #1. She likes penguins, cats, and doing crafts. She’d like to thank her friends and family for coming to show.
FavoriteQuote: “Weird is a good thing” by Emma’s friend Emery
Gracelyn Driscoll
Apple Tree #1/Winkie Guard
Gracelyn is thrilled to be in another CYTP show! She has been on stage since she was 6 with many different companies but CYTP is her favorite! Thank you to the staff, the directors, and the cast and crew. And a word of advice - don’t go picking apples off of trees you don’t know!
FavoriteQuote: How Dare You!
Natalie Gutzmer
Apple Tree Ensemble, Emerald City Welcome Comittee, Ozian Ensemble
Natty has been dancing and singing since Day 1. Before Oz, she was in cheer, drama club, How I Became A Pirate, and Opera For The Young. Currently, she sings with the RPS205 District Chorus. She loves performing, and pugs, too!
FavoriteQuote: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
Ruby Roher
Munchkin & Cat
Ruby is in first grade. This is her first ever stage performance. Her interests include art, music, and fashion.
Addyson White Crow, tornado ensemble, Oz ensemble
This is Addys 4th show with CYTP! She loves all the friends she’s made and has learned so much being here!
FavoriteQuote: “Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don’t they” -scarecrow
Jamisen Monroe
Doorman, Ozian
Jamie loves being on stage. Since he was 6 months he was singing and dancing. This is his 4th musical and he is thrilled to be the doorman. He cannot wait for you all to enjoy the world with the yellow brick road.
FavoriteQuote: “She had a lot of chips!” Grandma Janet
Vincent Dawley
Tim Man
Hi, I’m Vincent! I’m in 6th grade, and this is my first year acting — so wish me luck! When I’m not on stage, you can probably find me drawing, building awesome Lego creations, or getting lost in a good book. I’m super excited to be part of this play and hope you enjoy the show!
Sloan Buss
Scarecrow
Fun fact: my first show ever as a theater kid was the wizard of oz and I played the scarecrow. I couldn’t be more excited for my 7th show with CYTP!
FavoriteQuote: “If I only had a brain”
Cayla Branscum
Cow, winged monkey, and emerald city ensemble
Cayla is 12 and this is her 4th play. She’s artistic, funny, loyal, and has a unique sense of style. She has been in girl scouts since she was 6, loves bike riding and drawing. Also, in the summer she dances for an italian youth troupe.
Kendall Washington
Wicked Witch/Miss Gulch
Kendall is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. This is her third performance at CTP. She was also in Winnie/Dinos and Beetlejuice. She is thrilled to be playing the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz, for her favorite role yet! Kendall wants to thank all of her friends and family for coming to support her!
Addie Bryant
Munchkin Coroner & Ozian
Addie is 11 and goes to St Bridget School. Addie enjoys spending time with her siblings and playing with her dog, Tucker. She also loves spending time with friends, making funny videos and playing soccer & basketball. Her passion is being on stage! This is her 3rd CTP play: Willy Wonka & Beetlejuice
FavoriteQuote: Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile!
Salem Dawson
Rowboat man #1, Emerald City Ensemble, Ozian Ensemble
Salem Dawson is 10 years old and in 5th grade. She’s a Fine Arts student and competitive dancer at BMDA who loves all things art and performing. This is her first production with CTP, and she’s thrilled to be part of the cast!
FavoriteQuote: Take more chances, dance more dances.
Natalie Lane
Crow, Flying Monkey, Tornado Ensemble
Playing the piano, flute, clarinet, and swims competitively. She loves performingWizard of Oz is her seventh show! A proud Girl Scout Cadette working on her Silver Service Award. Volunteering at local nursing homes sharing music and hand-made greeting cards with every visit.
FavoriteQuote: Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold!
