Eastmoor Academy’s production of ‘The Wiz’ closing its curtains after 24 years

Jordyn Dunlap
·2 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – After 24 years of production “The Wiz” at Eastmoor Academy High School will close the curtain one last time.

Singing, dancing, teamwork. That’s what you feel from the cast for this year’s “The Wiz,” production, which will officially end on March 3.

For a little over two decades students, staff, and community members have gathered at Eastmoor Academy to see this highly anticipated show and this year the cast is excited to be back on stage again.

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Senior Naiyah Anderson has been cast as Dorthy and says when it comes to theater, everyone should try it out.

“Go for it,” she said. “Don’t get too into your head about what you could offer or what you can’t offer because you have something to offer.”

“I really feel like theater is an art that anybody can love. It’s just like being here, whether you’re in the audience, if you’re participating backstage, or even on stage. It’s something to enjoy. Just try it. Be in the moment,” Anderson said.

Naiyah Anderson (second from right) rehearses with castmates in Eastmoor Academy’s final production of ‘The Wiz’ (NBC4)
Naiyah Anderson (second from right) rehearses with castmates in Eastmoor Academy’s final production of ‘The Wiz’ (NBC4)

Through the Educational Theatre Foundation, Eastmoor Academy was one of five high schools selected for a $10,000 grant via the Pathway Grant Program, which champions diversity and inclusion through the arts. Money from the grant went into updated set designs and supplies for the production.

It’s the last year of the show because it’s the last year teacher and show director Seth Harms will be on the job in this position.

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Harms, who has been directing the show since March 2000, is retiring from his role behind the scenes. While students have expressed the impact he’s had on them over the years, he says the kids have taught him so much as well.

“I’ve gotten so much from the students. I mean, a lot of people say ‘I don’t know what my legacy is until I’m gone,’ but I’ve got 25 years here in this school with three more to go,” Marms said. “Multiply that by two or three shows a year and my legacy’s pretty good. I’m really excited to see what these kids do after graduation, after this performance,” he said.

The final performances of “The Wiz” will run Feb. 29 through March 3. Information on tickets can be found here.

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