LA GRANGE — The 1988-89 school year brought in a new wave of theatrical tradition at North Lenoir High School.
Marian Kennedy, a teacher and the school’s drama department head, returned to her alma mater to expose students to more choices in theatre arts.
When she attended Governor’s School as a teenager, Kennedy realized students in the western part of the state had more options for music and theater. At North Lenoir, the drama department is fully self-supportive.
“I think that we have really good students in this area,” Kennedy said. “(There are) really good people and I feel like we were just as talented.
“My goal was to come back here, teach and give students as many opportunities as I could to perform and to be exposed to the arts.”
She returned to North Lenoir with a vision. Now, nearly 25 years later, she is directing her 50th production at the school. She said she’s here to stay.
“The Wizard of Oz” musical opened Thursday morning with a show for Lenoir County elementary schools. The cast performed the grand show opening Thursday night; there are performances for the general public today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with the finale Sunday at 3 p.m.
Another performance for public school students will be held this afternoon.
“I love musicals,” said Kennedy, who holds a master’s in musical education from ECU. “I’ve been singing in church since I was 3.”
“The Wizard of Oz” was the first show she starred in — leading as the Dorothy character — and directed, so it’s a special story to her.
“It’s magical and colorful,” Kennedy said. “I think it teaches a lesson: Sometimes, we always look for things bigger and better and think that the grass is always greener on the other side. Sometimes it’s right under our noses.”
This will be the fourth time of 50 productions Kennedy has directed “Wizard.” However, she said she hasn’t ever done a version that so closely mimics the original film.
Additionally, Kennedy incorporated flying in the spring show.
“That has really added a new dimension to this show,” said Kennedy, noting the flying and orchestra are special additions to the musical. “Because it was the 50th production, the parents and the community worked really hard to raise the money for these added features.”
North Lenoir history teacher Lee Holder said he’s seen first-hand how the production has rallied the community.
“Everyone’s pulled together,” he said. “People call and say, ‘What can I do help?’ ”
Holder and Kennedy began working at North Lenoir the same year.
“I think she has the ability … to put a positive spotlight on what we do at the school,” Holder said of the theatre head. “Every school seems to be known for something, and that’s one of the really positive things our school is known for.”
Holder’s daughter, Holly, a freshman, will star as a Dorothy in the musical. He said she manages to balance her time with her role.
“I know that the kids are very busy with the play, but they learn to manage their time and budget their resources,” Holder said. “I find my students still do well.”
Kennedy said theatre has given students confidence and speaking skills, even if they don’t chose to pursue it as a career — though she’s had a number of students currently teaching music and theatre and directing.
“I think what is wonderful about this is that it teaches them time commitment, how to get along with others and how to work as a team,” Kennedy said. “When you’re in a cast, you are a team.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
Breakout box:
‘Wizard of Oz’
n Scheduled performances: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
n North Lenoir High School auditorium
n Tickets: $6 students, $10 advance, $12 at door
For more information: Jennifer Spence, 252-527-9184