The women of The Wizard of Oz are an integral part of Dorothy’s trip down the yellow-brick road, yet audiences don’t get to see much of them. With Iona Players producing this show this month, a decision was made by the production team to cast two women for the lead women with each actress doing three out of the six shows. The female cast includes Jullianna Obdyke and Isabella Ruggiero as Dorothy, Alyssa Green and Molly Walsh as The Wicked Witch, Glinda, Amelia Gordon and myself as Glinda, and Jennifer McNamee as Aunt Em.
With the original film being released in 1939, femininity is used as a driving force, shaping its characters and the story’s emotional core. We as a cast all had to learn how different forms of femininity were represented through each character.
“Aunt Em represents a traditional, hardworking woman,” says McNamee. “…she embodies women’s strength through survival and labor, rather than beauty. I believe her femininity is shown through her responsibilities and emotions. While she doesn’t let her emotions show a lot during the show, the times that she does show how much she cares for the people around her.”
That range of femininity wasn’t just reflected in the characters, but also in the cast. With each lead role double cast, the actresses had the chance to explore their characters alongside another performer, often bringing new perspectives to the same role.
“Being double casted was a huge blessing in disguise,” says Obdyke. “I got to work so closely with my great friend and we were able to bounce off of each other and go to each other for everything.”
Throughout this production, supporting one another as women was just as crucial as learning our lines. Thankfully, support was never lacking.
“The women in this production are some of my favorite people that I’ve met,” says Obdyke. “It has been an honor being able to work with some of these women for 4 years now and I cannot wait to continue these relationships when we graduate.”
“Supporting each other as women in this production has been so amazing to watch,” says McNamee. “Backstage…we are always spreading positivity to one another. I love being surrounded by such a talented, supportive group of people as it gives me the motivation to go out on that stage and give it my all.”
Above all else, beyond the story itself, the actresses hope their performances leave an impact on the audience, especially young girls.
“I hope that the younger audience learns that it’s not all about the journey you go on but it’s about the lessons you learn, the friends you make, and the love you grow along the way,” says Obdyke. “Those are the things that truly matter and the things that get you through the hardest time. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”