There’s No Place Like Home March 21-23!
Prepare for an extraordinary journey down the yellow brick road as Gross Catholic High School proudly presents “The Wizard of Oz.” Under the creative direction of Paloma Power, this timeless musical has been reimagined with a modern twist, promising an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.
Dazzling Cast: Bringing Beloved Characters to Life
Meet the stellar cast that will breathe life into the iconic characters of Oz. Abigail Zeller takes on the role of Dorothy, while Nathan Foster embodies the lovable Scarecrow. Jacob Vankat steps into the shoes of the dapper Tin Man, and Josh Jansen fearlessly tackles the role of the courageous Lion. Anna Simpson wears two hats, portraying both Aunt Em and the enchanting Glinda, while Gracye Laney captivates as the striking Wicked Witch of the West.
A Fresh Take on Costumes: Unveiling a Unique Oz
The director’s innovative vision extends to the costume design, ushering in a unique world of Oz. Rejecting traditional norms, the production unveils a Wicked Witch, portrayed by Gracye Laney, whose striking fashion challenges conventional notions. Drawing inspiration from iconic characters like Cruella Deville and Miranda Priestly, this modern twist encourages a deeper exploration of character beyond surface-level definitions.
Musical Magic: Setting the Stage for Oz
Inspired by the RSC version of The Wizard of Oz by Concord Theatricals, the musical score adds an extra layer of magic to the production. Each character’s musical motif reflects their personality, with The Tin Man’s (Jacob Vankat) music featuring a delightful blend of Americana and old-world Broadway. Abigail Zeller, our Dorothy Gale, enchants with her flowing voice and innocent demeanor, creating a character you can’t help but root for.
Youthful Vibrancy: Munchkins from Five Schools
Adding a burst of energy to the stage, munchkins are played by enthusiastic elementary students from five different schools. The Lion, portrayed by the talented Josh Jansen, brings both athleticism and musical prowess, while Nathan Foster as the Scarecrow delivers expected tumbling and softness with impeccable comedic timing.
Senior Farewell: “No Place Like Home”
For Gross High School seniors, this production holds sentimental value, marking the culmination of their high school journey. As they bid farewell to their “home” for the past four years, the timeless message that “there’s no place like home” resonates deeply.
Unforgettable Performances: Mark Your Calendar!
Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary production of “The Wizard of Oz” at Gross High School. Performances are scheduled for March 21st-23rd at 7:30 pm, with a special matinee on the 24th at 2 pm. The 21st also marks a family spirit challenge and senior night – an evening filled with excitement, emotion, and the magic of Oz. Join us as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the movie and pay homage to Gross’s performance of this classic 50 years ago. Secure your tickets now for a magical journey like never before!
Buy Oz Tickets Now!
About Gross Catholic
Gross Catholic, a co-educational, college preparatory high school, began its proud heritage of academic excellence rooted in the Marianist tradition in 1968. We consider ourselves one of the best Catholic schools in Omaha, Bellevue, and Papillion. The school motto Dux Esto (“Be a Leader”) is at the core of its extraordinary mission, innovative spirit, and fundamental values. The school offers a challenging environment and outstanding quality of life, both in academics and co-curricular activities, with a strong focus on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. The spirit of Christian service and giving back is part of everything the school does. Gross Catholic’s top-tier status is reflected in its talented faculty, staff, and coaches who take great pride in seeing virtually every graduate head to college, often to the most prestigious domestic and international universities and service academies. Together with families and alumni, Gross Catholic forges relationships for a lifetime, helping to ready the next generation to be exemplary, principled leaders of the world.
To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page.