INUVIK
After spring break, the actors and crew are back and the final stretch to East Three Secondary School's production of The Wizard of Oz is underway.

River Jayne McDonald, left, gets some help with her lines as the China Doll from director Abe Drennan at an April 9 play rehearsal at East Three Secondary School. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"Anyone who has ever been involved in theatre knows the weeks before the show are always chaotic," said director Abe Drennan. "At this stage, it's to be expected."

With the actors still learning their lines and only one run-through of the whole play under their belts, Drennan said there is still a lot of work to be done, but that he's confident everything will come together before April 28, the day of the first of two shows.

"I'd say we're on two crutches right now, but we're working our way off one of them," he joked. "By the end of April, we'll be going full stride."

While this isn't the first time the school is putting on such an ambitious production - the same team largely put on Alice in Wonderland last year - but Drennan admitted there are some challenges this year.

Last year's play was performed in June, giving staff and students a few more months to get ready. Furthermore, the performances this year coincide with a major soccer tournament in Yellowknife, forcing many of the cast to choose between the two.

"We're accomplishing the same thing in less time," Drennan said. "The kids are excited and nervous. today was a bit of a reality check, but they're all committed."

There are about 20 students involved on stage with some of the younger ones playing two and three parts each and 10 more working as crew. Drennan said a fun change this year has been the addition of elementary school children playing munchkins, flowers, and flying monkeys.

"It's really fun," said Andreane Gagnon, a high school student who plays a tree, a monkey and a main munchkin. "Last year, as soon as the play was finished, I came to Mr. Drennan and asked if there was going to be a next one because I really wanted to be in it."

Gagnon said that while it was frustrating to work through so many people dropping out of the play, she's excited to be almost off-book herself.

Playing the Cowardly Lion, Katelynn Crocker was in the play last year too, though in a much smaller part.

"I feel like this time I know what I'm getting myself into," she said. "I really like it, especially how a lot of the people I'm here with, I wouldn't really know otherwise."

Between now and opening night, students and staff are working through two-hour rehearsals three times a week and an extra day of work bees every Saturday. Those weekend-work sessions also involve the set designers, costume makers, and all other crew, the first taking place April 9.

"Now we're in the stage where everyone knows their routes, it's just about how do we bring that to life," said Drennan.

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