Huge Cast in Wizard
of Oz at Central School:
Performance Dedicated to Choreographer's
Daughter
by Judy Silberstein
with reporting and photography by Emily Saltzman
(March 18, 2004) Dorothy, Munchkins, wizard, and witches
were all on stage this past weekend, with the help of almost
two
hundred
Central  School students who participated in a unique production
of the Wizard of Oz. So many students signed on to the
production that there were two casts and four performances
over Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14.
The Central School's version of the well-loved story by
L. Frank Baum was written and directed by
Peter Ryan of the Jefferson Youth Theater. This Virginia-based
production company has been traveling up to Mamaroneck for
the past six years with scripts, sets, costumes, and all
the paraphernalia required to mount a complete musical show.
Peter Ryan starts with a familiar story, and then adds his
own
brand of humor and lots of characters, so there are parts
for all the child actors. He composes original music and
words to fit the particular school and its students.
“Without this program, many of the children would
never have had a theater arts experience,” said Lori
Palmer, a member of the Central School Theatre Arts Committee
who has been involved with the productions for seven years.
She was particularly appreciative of the Mamaroneck Schools
Foundation, which provided the original seed money for the
Theatre Arts program. “I have seen some kids gain so
much confidence,” she said.
 This year, the show was missing its long-term choreographer,
Jinny Burns, whose daughter Kate was seriously ill with cancer.
When the daughter died a few weeks ago, the PTA
chose to dedicate the show to Kate Burns. There was a collection
taken at the performances to raise funds for a scholarship
in Kate’s
name. The proceeds will go to provide musical instruments
to needy children.
For more information about the Kate Burns Scholarship Fund,
call 834- 0159.
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