Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at Hot Springs World Class High School Theater

There’s truly no place like home—and for audiences who stepped into The Wizard of Oz at Hot Springs World Class High School, that home was filled with heart, courage, brains, and an abundance of young talent ready to shine. Running April 16–18, this beloved classic was brought to life under the direction of Kaitlin Potts, with vocal direction by Roxanna Kirchhoff and Lynn Morgan, and choreography by Amy Bramlett Turner and Alexis Pritsch, creating a magical journey that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Based on the timeless story by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz follows young Dorothy Gale as she is swept away from Kansas by a tornado and lands in the fantastical Land of Oz. Along her journey to find the mysterious Wizard who can help her return home, she meets a Scarecrow in search of a brain, a Tin Man longing for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion desperate for courage. Together, they travel down the Yellow Brick Road, facing witches, winged monkeys, and their own self-doubts. Ultimately, Dorothy discovers that everything she needed was within her all along, learning the powerful lesson that “there’s no place like home.”

From the moment you entered the auditorium, the magic had already begun. Audience members didn’t just take their seats, they were invited into the story, literally walking down a Yellow Brick Road that stretched all the way down the aisle. Then, from the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that this production was something special, but what made it even more meaningful is the legacy behind it.

The Wizard of Oz holds a cherished place in Hot Springs High School history, last produced in April of 1989. On opening night, that legacy came full circle as members of the original 1989 cast returned to celebrate alongside this new generation of performers. It created a beautiful bridge between past and present, a reminder that theatre has the power to connect decades of storytellers through one shared experience.

This cast brought fresh life to these iconic roles. Anani Coleman led the charge as Dorothy Gale, capturing both the wide-eyed wonder and emotional depth of Dorothy’s journey, making her an easy character to root for. It’s no surprise that she has been selected to represent her school at the Broadway Bound Awards of Central Arkansas, which will be held May 11 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock.

John Sullivan’s Zeke/Cowardly Lion was a delightful mix of bravado and bashfulness, earning plenty of laughs along the way. His strong character work and stage presence have also earned him a spot representing this production at the Broadway Bound Awards of Central Arkansas, a well-deserved recognition of his talent. This is the last production I will see him in at HSWCHS, since he graduates this year, but I know he is going to do amazing things down the yellow brick road.

Mya Chandler showcased wonderful versatility in her dual roles as Auntie Em and Glinda, offering both grounded warmth and sparkling elegance. Jay Nehus provided strong support as Uncle Henry and The Guard, while Ryan Tedford as Hunk/Scarecrow delivered both physical comedy and sincere vulnerability. Noah Bryant’s Hickory/Tinman brought a sweetness that made his search for a heart especially touching. Joe Martinez as Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz brought a charismatic presence that tied the story together beautifully.

My favorite moment was when Trayona McDaniel, as the Wicked Witch, was woven into “The Jitterbug” dance. It’s not something you typically see, but the choice felt both inventive and perfectly fitting, and it was executed with delightful flair.

The choreography by Turner and Pritsch added an extra layer of excitement to the production, and it’s clear this thespian troupe is especially strong when it comes to their dance numbers. There is a confidence and precision in their movement that elevated every ensemble moment. From the playful energy of Munchkinland to the dynamic staging along the Yellow Brick Road, the choreography felt full of personality. 

Productions like this remind us why the arts are so vital in our schools. They build confidence, encourage creativity, and bring communities together—and this The Wizard of Oz did all of that and more. As Dorothy clicks her heels and reminds us that “there’s no place like home,” it’s clear that for these students, the stage is exactly where they belong, and that legacy will continue for years to come.