Senior Conor DeVoe, with the help of his mentor Kim Bruggemann, decided to direct and choreograph his own rendition of “The Wizard of Oz” for his senior project.  After sitting through a full dress rehearsal, I was amazed that I was watching a senior project.

The well-known story for all ages came to life right before my eyes. As soon as the curtain opened on the first scene, I knew I was in for quite a show. The actors and actresses brought energy and excitement to the stage from the moment they walked on until the final curtain call.

DeVoe did a great job of casting, especially for the roles of Dorothy, Lion, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Senior Elisabeth Johnson does a great job of playing an imaginative little girl who travels away to a dream world and must find her way home. Johnson’s talent shines through as she uses as soft spoken voice and naïve child-like tendencies.

Sophomore Thomas Gardner may possibly steal the show. He steps into the role of a cowardly lion who only wants to have courage. Gardner takes on the challenge of using an accent and does a great job of not dropping it throughout the show. His strong voice powers through his solos and his costume is a sight to see.

Senior Ashley Markley plays the evil Wicked Witch of the West. Markley has done a great job of perfecting her evil laugh and with a booming voice she grabs the audience’s attention every time she steps on stage.

As I watched in amazement, as the show far surpassed my expectations and it became quite relevant as to why DeVoe wants to take up a major in the performing arts in college. His passion and talent drive him towards success. The choreography and costumes specifically stand out. They look as if they were done by professionals.

The acting, dancing, sets, and even the magic that takes place in this show are all fantastic.  The use of fog, lighting, and pyrotechnics bring the show to a more professional level. DeVoe has worked hard through weeks of planning and rehearsals, and it has finally paid off.

If anyone is free Friday April 15 and Saturday April 16 at 7 p.m., I highly suggest that everyone come out to support DeVoe in his senior project. It’s certainly a show that no one will want to miss.

Kristin Marzullo is a Photo Editor for “The Patriot” and jcpatriot.com.