110 youngsters head to 'Oz'

CEDAR HILLS — The "Wizard of Oz" at Deerfield Elementary is slightly different from the movie version.

For one thing, there are 110 elementary schoolchildren starring in the production.

For another, Rebecca Gleason has written in new elements to make sure every child has something fun to do.

"We have a Munchkin parade. We have the Emeraldettes, who are guards for the Emerald City Castle. We have four Dorothys, three scarecrows, three tin men, two lions, two witches, two Glindas and a choir.

"It sounds like a lot, and it is a lot," said Gleason, whose children attend the school.

She and her husband, Tom, decided three years ago to help the school produce plays, staring with "Peter Pan" and "Aladdin."

Tom Gleason is a Brigham Young University graduate with a major in theatrical arts.

He directs the shows, and Rebecca Gleason writes them.

"We have a $75 budget and a giant army of volunteers who come together to help us. They paint scenery, make costumes, handle the lighting, the sound, the choreography," Rebecca Gleason said. "It's pretty amazing to see."

Every child who tries out for one of the productions gets a part, which creates a bit of a challenge for the Gleasons as the numbers continue to grow.

But the two are committed to making the effort.

"We offer a chance for these kids to get a little experience in drama," Rebecca Gleason said. "Some have gone on to do leads in junior high school. That's rewarding right there."

If you go

What: "Wizard of Oz" show

Where: Deerfield Elementary, 4353 W. Harvey Blvd., Cedar Hills

When: 7 p.m. April 10-12

Cost: $1 in advance (at the school)/$2 at the door

Phone: 796-6880

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E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com