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COLLINGS LAKES -- There's no place like Collings Lakes Elementary School for staging "The Wizard of Oz." The hour-long show featured memorable performances by about 50 students and, for the first time ever, faculty and staff. It garnered so much applause it very nearly brought down the house Wednesday. Students in the audience -- who were treated to a special afternoon viewing of the production -- hollered and cheered for Dorothy and her sidekicks as they made their way through Munchkinland. A later performance was held for parents. Donations were collected for the American Red Cross in support of American troops overseas. The musical tied in to the theme of this month's character education program -- self-esteem. The parable of the Wizard of Oz is indeed "to believe in yourself, to believe that your dreams can come true," said first grade teacher Denise Homiak. Homiak organized the production in conjunction with the school's music department, led by music teacher Sharon Ricci. The musical gave students the opportunity to interact on stage with faculty members, who skilfully performed the musical's leading roles. Students -- who ranged from kindergarten to fifth grade -- shined in the various roles of muchkins and flying monkeys. The student-packed chorus belted out the familiar tunes of "Follow the yellow break road" and "Somewhere over the rainbow." The musical production exceeded the highest expectations of Principal Dan Benedetto, who called it one of the best performances he'd seen since he came on board 10 years ago.
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