Heart, brain and courage included

ORANGE - Students at Turkey Hill School "are all abuzz over this year’s Drama Club production of the "Wizard of Oz" which opens on March 25th on the stage of Turkey Hill School," according to a statement.


"The Turkey Hill School Drama Club is a dream come true for me,” Colleen Murray, principal of THS, said in the statement. “With the rigor and high accountability in education these days, it is more important than ever to offer children multiple opportunities to integrate the arts. This is no easy task and I am grateful for the many parent volunteers who are making this possible."

Seventy five students are participating in the production and 15 students are behind the scene working on the props and stage crew, the statement said.

“The kids are doing so much to make this a great show including learning their lines, painting, singing and learning dances,” Deborah Sansone, Drama Club chairpwoman and producer, said in the statement. “The best part is that they are using their imaginations and having fun.”

The show is directed by all parent volunteers including; Rebekah Melville, Donna Ricciardi, Tracey Papelo, Sheri Morrison, Debra Tashlein, Jackie Hutchison, Alicia Dwyer, Jen Hayes, Monika Gagnon, Kathy Gulia, Phyllis Kraut, Lauri Dougherty and Ginger Sherrick, the statement said.

Music Teacher Eva Santacapita is serving as the music director with her assistant Ellie Flaumenhaft, a former Turkey Hill student and current Amity High School student, the statement said. Dance choreographers include Melissa Gulia, Ilana Sheveloff, Lauren Flaumenhaft and Ellie Flaumenhaft, also Turkey Hill alumni and Amity students.

The Wizard of Oz will take place at Turkey Hill School in the gymnasium at 7 p.m. March 25. and at noon  March 26. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased either at the box office before each performance or in person at Turkey Hill School beginning March 1.