Chartiers Valley High School will perform “The Wiz” this year.

“While ‘The Wiz’ is a family-friendly musical, it allows for artistic freedom, as well as opportunities to feature many of our talented performers and dancers,” said director Kim Scalise.

Junior Megan Henderson, who is playing Dorothy, is one of those talented performers.

“I was a little nervous at first because of the demanding vocals and dance numbers, but the cast has collectively stepped it up so much this year,” said Henderson about the musical choice.

The talented cast is smaller than usual.

“That just means I can get closer with everyone personally, and it’s easier to help them with material we have learned,” said senior Sean Gracy, who is playing the Lion. 

“The cast this year is incredible!  We had a few setbacks early on with a few quits, but the people who stayed are amazing.  It’s a demanding show, and I credit the freshman and other first years for staying and stepping it up.  Everyone is so close this year, it’s amazing,” said Henderson.

Henderson’s training includes the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Broadway Kids Performance Troupe.  She has also taken dance, acting and voice lessons for several years.

Gracy doesn’t have a lot of formal training but has been involved with the musicals for years.

“I have been involved with the musicals since I was 11 or so, mainly the technical side, but I taught myself to be just as good as anyone acting, singing or dancing on stage.  I worked hard to be in the arts.  I was a member of the select chorus, a stage crew member for middle and high school, an actor for summer programs and now, I am currently a student director for our middle school program,” said Gracy.

"The Wiz" will run March 7-10.