Local ‘Munchkins’ Perform In Wizard Of Oz
Twelve local girls are following the yellow-brick road to stardom after winning spots on the national tour of the Wizard of Oz.
“We all had to audition and there were, I think, three other groups there and we got,” said 11-year-old Lexi Swartz.
Many school kids can only dream of one day stepping on that stage to show off their talents, but these girls can say they actually did it.
“My friends are very excited. They’re all talking about it so they wanna see me. They’re like ‘Oh Hope is in the Wizard of Oz’”, said 8-year-old Hope Farlow.
This group of “munchkins” range in age from eight to 13 and come from different schools around the Triangle. They practiced five days a week, which included singing and dancing lessons, to be ready for the big show.
All the girls say the hard work is well worth it and are grateful to be part of this exciting opportunity.
“I’m so happy and excited,” exclaimed 2nd grader Avery Swartz.
And during their final rehearsal before the curtain rises, the girls say the nerves haven’t quite set in…yet.
The group is led by voice coach Alison Lawrence, who owns and runs The Singer’s Art. Here’s a fun fact about Alison, she was Clay Aiken’s voice teacher!
Wizard of Oz will be playing at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium from May 5 through May 11. For ticket information and show times, click here.
Below is the list of “munchkins”:
• Lucy Toma: 7th grader at Franciscan School
• Amanda Lee: 6th grader at Cary Academy
• Caroline Gainey: 6th grader at Ravenscroft
• Lexi Swartz: 5th grader at Washington Elem
• Ariel Lee: 5th grader at Yates Mill Elem
• Shea Carponter-Broderick: 5th grader at Joyner Elementary
• Kayla Robinson: 4th grader at North Ridge Elem
• Lauren Simmons: 4th grader at St. Rafael Catholic School
• Gigi Juras: 3rd grader at Morrisville Elem
• Loren Wait: 3rd grader at Magellan Charter
• Hope Farlow: 3rd grader at Magellan Charter
• Avery Swartz: 2nd grader at Washington Elem
• Grayson Farlow (understudy): 5th grader at Forest Pines Dr Elem
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All photos were taken by Dawn Swartz.
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Good looking bunch of children. Great pictures. Can’t wait to see the performance!!