Teen cast wows with a Wonderful Wicked 'Wiz'

SPARTA — A cast made up of area kids and teens recently presented a compelling, original script in an afternoon then evening performance of “A Wonderful Wicked Wiz of Oz” at Acting Apart.” Directed by Cari Chrisostomou, the May 14 musical combined the story lines from “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz” to create a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind production. Sparta’s Louisa Frieling played Elphaba, and the Good Witch sisters of Galinda and Glinda were played by Alison Leila Sledge, of Sparta, and Angela Smith, of Oak Ridge. Sara Pinsonault, of Sparta, was Nessarose, the character from Wicked who ends up being the Wicked Witch of the East upon whom Dorothy’s house falls in “The Wizard of Oz.” Jessica Burns, of Sparta, played Dorothy turning in a fantastic rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Madison Schuyler Colfax, of Sparta, doubled in roles playing both Fiyero, from Wicked, and then the Scarecrow, in “The Wizard of Oz.” Janelle Valentino, of Ogdensburg, played the Cowardly Lion, and Paige Wilcox, of Sparta was the Tin Woman. Sparta’s Serena Fioretti was Madame Morrible, and Abby Weber doubled as both Chistery, from “Wicked,” and the Mayoress of Munchkinland. Tidbits from “The Wiz” were scattered into “Wicked/Wizard of Oz” storylines, adding tunes and encouraging Dorothy to “ease on down the road” to get to Oz. The production was the brainchild of Erika Luppo, owner of Acting Apart on Woodport Road in Sparta. The theater offers various classes and camps for teens and children.