Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts to perform ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

You know it’s fall when there’s a chill in the air, the leaves change color and local high school students start singing Broadway tunes in their sleep.

The Highland High theatre department is preparing for its production of “The Wiz,” which will run Wednesday thru Monday, Nov. 16-21. Performances will be held each night except Sunday, in the school’s auditorium at 7 p.m., with a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 19. The school is on 2166 South 1700 East. Tickets can be purchased for $8 on the school’s website starting at the end of October, or $9 at the door.

Made popular by Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, “The Wiz” is based on “The Wizard of Oz,” and was the first Broadway production ever to be cast entirely with African Americans.

“The reason we picked it was because Highland is so diverse,” Theatre Instructor Phaidra Atkinson said.

The show is family-friendly, and Highland’s cast includes students from local elementary and junior high schools as the Munchkins and crows. The music is jazzy and fun.

“It’s a totally different, wild side of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” Atkinson said.

Dorothy will be played by Darby Mest, the Scarecrow by Cooper Maestas, the Tinman by Zach Johnson, the Lion by James Martin, the Wiz by Xander Moffatt, Aunt Em by Lisa Langi, Uncle Henry by John Keddington, Addaperle by Kali Scott, Evillene by Hannah Foster and Glinda by Maddy Fox.

The Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts will present “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” Nov. 10, 11, 12 and 14 at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. The musical will be shown in the black box theatre at the school’s new building at 2291 East 2000 South. Tickets are available in advance only, and can be purchased on the school’s website for $8.

“It’s a really fun musical comedy that borders on farce,” Theatre Department Head Carrie Morgan said.

The popular movie, starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, has only recently been made into a musical, full of plot twists, humor and music from many eras. While it is not inappropriate for children, the play would be best appreciated by teens and adults. The story follows con-men Freddy and Lawrence as they compete to be the first to steal $50,000 from a wealthy young woman.

Lawrence will be played by Dax Geary, Freddy by Bartley Booz, Christine by Maddie Wagek, Muriel by Kim Robbins, Jolene by Blakelee Harmon and Andre by Trayven Call.