THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 29, 1996 TAG: 9602290591
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
They just keep coming back, from the young children who stand before the footlights for the first time to the parents who work backstage sewing costumes and making props.
Once they've tasted the theatrical life with the Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory, under the direction of Connie Hindmarsh, they never truly leave.
``Connie can't get rid of any of her kids or their parents,'' joked Angel Baker, a Norfolk State University junior who graduated from the program in 1993 and has returned to help in several productions. ``There are a lot of us who keep coming back. We don't want to miss any of the fun.''
After thinking a minute, she laughs.
``What we really want is Connie's job.''
For the repertory's latest production, ``The Wiz,'' five graduates of the program return in featured roles or production jobs. Several parents, who have been with the troupe since its creation, help out backstage. And three dozen elementary school-age children, who have found their way serendipitously into the heart of the company, star as Munchkins.
Choosing ``The Wiz'' to mark the 10th anniversary was a chance for Hindmarsh to bring back a few alumni, feature some current students and spotlight future ones.
``We've got kids from 7 to their mid-20s in this show,'' Hindmarsh said. ``There's a lot going on.''
The show marks the repertory's 10th year and is a reprisal of one of the company's first productions. In her 10 years directing Norfolk's ``Fame School,'' Hindmarsh has staged 30 major productions and taught some 400 high school students the fundamentals of theatrical performance. In addition to presenting shows at their home base, Lake Taylor High School, the company has performed at New York City's Lincoln Center several times.
`` `The Wiz' wasn't the first show we did; that was `Guys and Dolls,' '' said Hindmarsh, the former ``Miss Connie'' of ``Romper Room'' fame. ``But this is my favorite one and the one the kids all voted for.''
The repertory's 1996 version of Motown's version of L. Frank Baum's ``The Wonderful World of Oz,'' however, is nothing like its first. With 75 cast members, it's far more sophisticated - technically, artistically and logistically.
The wicked witch, for example, arrives on stage riding a motorcycle, and all 30 Munchkins are dressed in leather jackets and other biker gear. Professionally constructed sets also are being used.
``It will be a very '90s-type show,'' Hindmarsh promised.
Featured performers include Norfolk State students and rep grads, Christina Gardner, who plays the wicked witch Evilene; and Derrick Williams, who stars as the Lion. Baker is stage manager, and Kwame Raikes, another Norfolk State student, is a member of the chorus. Choreographer Danielle Rice, a recent graduate of Radford University, is also a repertory graduate who returned to the fold.
Many of the children playing Munchkins are veteran performers of other repertory productions as well. Munchkin Patrick Waldo, a fifth-grader at Taylor Elementary, played the lead in the company's ``Oliver'' a few years ago and since has gone on to be featured in productions at The Founders Inn and other professional venues.
Another Munchkin, 10-year-old Liza Partlett, has been doing shows with the company since age 4. She got involved when her older sister, Sharon Greer, was a student.
``This is a wonderful, growing experience for these kids,'' said the girls' mother, Fran Partlett, who has helped with costumes and other backstage chores for 10 years. ``They come from so many backgrounds and they learn such confidence and poise and how to get along as a team, working for a common goal.''
Hindmarsh creates such an exciting but demanding atmosphere that it's hard not to get hooked, said Partlett, a Virginia Beach resident.
``She treats these kids like professional performers, not little kids,'' Partlett said. ``She might fuss at them, but they know they'll come in the next day with a clean slate as long as they give 100 percent.''
Hindmarsh said: ``I expect a lot out of these kids ... but they know we're a big family.''
Two of the newest, and youngest, members of the troupe are quite literally family. Shawnetta and Lashawnna Ridley, students at James Monroe Elementary School, were recruited to be Munchkins by their older brother, Deon, a repertory member who plays the Tin Man.
``He didn't ask us; he told us to be in it,'' said Lawshawnna, 9. ``But I was happy. It's a lot of fun to be here.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP
The Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory rehearses for
its presentation of ``The Wiz.''
Graphic
TO SEE ``THE WIZ''
The Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory will present
two public performances of ``The Wiz'' at the Lake Taylor High
School auditorium. Shows are set for 3 p.m. Sundays, March 3 and
March 17. Admission is $3. For more information, call 441-5656.
by CNB