HS Musical Shines in Three Sold Out Performances of The Wizard of Oz

Even with the Rittmann Theater offline, the IB Gym once again became a space where our students could take risks, tell stories, and create something joyful together.

Over the past few months, the cast worked hard to bring this classic tale to life, building confidence through rehearsal and supporting one another through long evenings and full run throughs. Their work was matched by a dedicated student crew, a vibrant orchestra, and one very patient dog playing Toto, all of whom helped shape a genuinely memorable production.

Our Directorial Team
This year’s musical was led by Mr Danny Hwang, who directed the overall staging, pacing, and storytelling of the show. He was joined by Mrs Kristina Erny as Assistant Director, whose work extended far beyond the role, designing the costumes, make up looks, and many of the props that defined the visual identity of the production.

Mr Sam Gaines served as Vocal Director, preparing students vocally and offering performance guidance that strengthened the musical numbers. Mr Matthew Snow directed the student orchestra, guiding our young musicians through a challenging score and bringing musical depth to each performance.

A Schoolwide Effort
As with every Concordia production, the musical was supported by many hands across campus. The Executive Leadership Team and High School Administration provided flexibility and encouragement throughout the rehearsal process, and the Activities, Operations, and Facilities teams worked closely with the directors to make the IB Gym performance ready.

Parents also played a huge part, adjusting schedules, coordinating transportation, and cheering from the audience with pride. Our senior cast members helped set the tone for the ensemble, offering leadership and modeling the commitment expected during production season. Behind the scenes, teams managing make up, costumes, props, and stage operations ensured the show ran smoothly.

Moving Forward Together
This year’s Wizard of Oz serves as another reminder of what our community can accomplish when we pull together. Even without a traditional theater space, our students created a joyful, polished, and heartfelt production and our community showed up to support them at every step.

As we look ahead to the new Performing Arts Center, this musical stands as a testament to the creativity and resilience that define Concordia’s performing arts.