PALM COAST, Fla. – It was four performances of the classic tale on stage at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center that gave audiences a chance to escape the Florida heat and head to the merry old land of Oz.
Led by director Kelly Rivera, drama teacher for Flagler Palm Coast High School, the characters were as authentic as watching the film right on your own TV. The cackling voice of the Wicked Witch of the West was perfectly captured by actress Joyce Holmes, down to her most famous line, “I’ll get you my pretty … and your little dog too!”, once again proving under the tutelage of Rivera, the story’s villain can be a major player.
(Rivera’s performance of The Little Mermaid several years back, villainess Ursula stole the show.)
Of course, performances by the Winkies, Jitterbugs, and Monkeys were just as entertaining, bringing the fantastic story of the Wizard of Oz to life.
K’imani Gervin McCoy’s modest number of appearances as Glenda, The Good Witch, didn’t overshadow the other performers but still delivered the kind of vocal performance she’s earned a reputation for. (McCoy was invited to sing the National Anthem during the opening of the Florida Legislative session in 2024.)
“I feel blessed to have worked with such talented singers, actors, and dancers both in our Thespians club and from Janice Monsanto’s FPC Dance Team,” said Director Kelly Rivera.
“I also have to mention our amazing technical crew spearheaded by Jack Neiberlein. My hometown of Oswego, NY is actually nicknamed Oz, and I myself played Dorothy in the 5th grade. I actually idolized Judy Garland as a kid and watched it every year when it was a special thing to watch annually. I had so much fun creating alongside my students to make a show that will always hold a special place in my heart. Seeing the joy on faces spanning every generation in the audience absolutely filled my heart.”
