The Wizard of Oz musical will be playing for Southeastern audiences in about a month's time.

20-year old Sariel Kuka is portraying Dorothy and says she was ecstatic to find out she got the part, especially after debating whether or not to even audition. Kuka notes she dabbled in acting while in high school and played Dorothy in her Grade 10 production of Wizard of Oz, but beyond that has not participated in any productions.

Kuka says when her mom found out she was going to be Dorothy she contacted the high school she attended and was able to send the ruby red shoes she wore in the Grade 10 production. She adds there are many aspects she has been enjoying about rehearsals.

"One thing that I love are the munchkins. I get to work with them every Saturday morning and they're always so, so excited," notes Kuka. "The little girls love my ruby shoes just as much as I do, a few of them have asked to try them on. I love it, it's probably one of the things I love the most."

She notes one of the hardest parts has been the high level of energy she has to keep up through rehearsals and going over a small section of script over, and over again to perfect the delivery and blocking. Kuka says when it comes to the show dates her main concern will be tending to her voice to make sure she doesn't stress it out or get sick.

As for the rest of the cast, Kuka says she was nervous about not knowing anyone but has found the Wizard of Oz cast to be a small family-type atmosphere.

"I've made friends with the good witch and she's been really, really great. She's an elementary teacher and she has a music degree, that's exactly what I want to do, so it was this common ground we found. The guys I work with are super, super fun. A lot of them remind me of my older brother, so that's also really fun to interact with them."

Kuka adds director David Klassen has lots of energy and she had never worked with him,  but had always heard good things and has not been disappointed.

Tickets are still available for the end of April show dates, available through the Steinbach Arts Centre. 

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