Bringing dedication to their roles

A difficult and unique challenge was faced by Walter Lastowski, of the Woodmere Middle School and Hewlett High School Music departments and Eric Williams of the Hewlett High School Music Department, as they oversaw 128 students from each of the district’s five schools in putting together “The Wizard of Oz.”

The 122 cast members, 16 stage crew members and 275 costumes translates into a major undertaking. An orchestra, pyrotechnics, lasers, special effects and sounds will make “The Wizard of Oz” a production to remember but Williams, the music director, said he is worried audience members will be too busy comparing Hewlett’s production to the musical and the movie. “The problem is it’s a movie everyone’s seen,” he said. “I hope (the audience) can look at our production and not make too many comparisons even though that might be difficult to do.”

Jaclyn Andes, a junior, plays Dorothy and said her role has taken a lot of dedication, responsibility and passion. “Everyone in the cast must cooperate with each other and work together as a team,” she said.

The Wicked Witch of the West, junior Samantha Gates, said her role takes a lot of commitment. “You need to enjoy what you’re doing and have a positive attitude,” she said. “For a show to really work, you need to have fun and respect everyone in the show, no matter their role or age.”

Cast members were culled from the Franklin Early Childhood Center, Ogden and Hewlett elementary school, Woodmere Middle School and Hewlett High School. The cast and crew have been working and rehearsing non-stop since Sept. 2. “We rehearse everyday from 3 to 6 p.m. and as of late, we’ve been staying until 7 or 8 p.m.,” Williams said. “The stage crew is there until 11 or midnight. It’s really a huge undertaking.”

As the student choreographer, senior Jasmine Tetraru said teaching the dances took a lot of work and discipline. “You really have to enjoy what you’re doing and know the end result will be as great as you want it to be,” she said. “As the choreographer, I had to make sure it was an exciting process for the girls and guys I was teaching.”

Lastowski, who teaches chorus at the middle and high schools, is directing the play and has been working with stage crew manager Nepchali Caceres who said he’s learned a lot of patience and dedication. “We’re trying to construct things out of our own imagination and to represent Hewlett High School,” the senior said. “Being stage crew manager is a new experience for me and I’m learning to work with people who helped to put this all together.”

Williams said those involved in the play serve as a bright hope for the future. “These are the nicest kids we have,” he said. “Music brings out the best qualities in people. These kids will go on and make a difference because the music department teaches them lifelong skills they can take with them forever.”

The play will be performed five times through Saturday, Nov. 19. Seating is reserved. For tickets and show times, call the district’s Music office at (516) 792-4808. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Performances will be held in the Hewlett High School auditorium at 60 Everit Ave., in Hewlett.