Valley Forge High School restarts theater program with ‘The Wizard of Oz’

PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Dark for the better part of a decade in terms of live theatrical performances, the Valley Forge High School auditorium will once again be home to song, dance and drama.

The notion of restarting Valley Forge High School’s theater program has been a goal of Principal Janine Andrzejewski for a while.

“We’re thrilled to have a drama club again,” Andrzejewski said. “We went through a lean period where we had difficulty finding an advisor and then COVID hit.

“Since then, we’ve hired amazing advisors and have more students involved than we have had in many, many years. Our students are excited to perform and are really enjoying learning and growing in an activity they love.”

The Valley Forge High School Theatre Arts Club returns with “The Wizard of Oz” taking place at 7 p.m. April 8 & 9 and 2 p.m. April 10 at the Independence Boulevard venue.

Directing the popular musical is Valley Forge Theatre Arts Club Artistic director Katie Del Vichio Fox, who teaches seventh grade at Greenbriar Middle School.

“Because there wasn’t a drama director, this is the first production in six years,” said Fox, a 1977 graduate of Valley Forge High School. “Nobody wanted the position. Students tried to do it, but it’s quite an undertaking.”

The question of whether there was interest in the school restarting its drama program was answered early on when 75 students showed up to the initial theatre arts club meeting.

As for “The Wizard of Oz,” the 92-member cast includes third and fourth graders playing the role of the munchkins.

“Bringing the theatre program back to life at Valley Forge High School creates additional opportunities for students to participate in student activities,” said “The Wizard of Oz” Music Director John D. Roberts.

“This will help them gain self-confidence and lifelong friendships. Kudos to the directors for stepping up to restore this important activity.”

Naturally, the student thespians are thrilled to be back on the Valley Forge High School auditorium stage.

“I feel like this experience has given me the opportunity to open up,” said senior Jordan Hnatiuk, who plays Scarecrow. “It’s my first big show, and I’m really excited. Thank you to my drama peers for making this experience possible. With them, anything is possible.”

Added sophomore Lexie Roth, who is playing the role of Dorothy, “I believe that this play is a great way for Valley Forge to bounce back from its six years of having no theatrical productions.

“I’m very grateful to be part of this amazing experience. I look forward to more wonderful shows in the future.”

Read more news from the Parma Sun Post here.