USC Montessori Academy presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC)-Montessori Academy along F. Sotto St., Cebu City will bring to life L. Frank Baum’s famed children’s novel “The Wizard of Oz” through a two-night stage play to be held at the campus’ Rudolph Rahmann Cultural Center.

USC Montessori holds a major stage production every two years, according to Teacher Ingrid Agustin Siega, production chairperson for “The Wizard of Oz.” Their first was back in December 2010, where they interpreted Alex Robinson’s “Papa Panov: A Christmas Musical.”

For this year, the teachers, together with musical director Mari Jasmin Nuñez and Principal Roselle R. Del Socorro, chose “The Wizard of Oz” because the story involved a lot of characters, and they wanted all their 570 students from pre-school to elementary to participate.

One other consideration was the positive message that the audience can glean from “The Wizard of Oz.”

“The story coincides with Montessori’s philosophy, which is to develop the best in every child. The play sends a message of believing in one’s self and that everything lies within you,” said Teacher Juna Eve Mariel Aliño, one of the stage directors.

The plot chronicles the adventures of a young orphaned girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her bleak Kansas farm home in a tornado.

Students were made to undergo workshops and auditions, and from these, two sets of characters were selected to fill in the lead and support roles.

Since the stage play required a lot of preparation especially with its two-hour running time, huge cast and props, initial planning began last summer and went full-blast by July.

Teacher Siega said that taking part in a school play is important for a student because it gives them rich childhood memories and boosts their self-esteem. “Their experience up there on stage will make them feel confident that they can achieve something,” she said.

“It also becomes part of their character development. When they are backstage during rehearsals for instance, their leadership and nurturing skills arise. They take care of their younger co-actors, and you see them collaborating with each other. You see them mature and become independent, because they learn to take care of their costume and props. They learn commitment, dedication and love for the craft,” Teacher Aliño added.

The play’s two performance dates are Feb. 17, Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and on Feb. 18 Monday at 6 p.m.

Tickets are priced at P150 and P250. To purchase, call the USC Montessori Academy office at 254- 9385 and look for Ms. Bless.  (FREEMAN)