Local theatergoers off to see the 'Wizard'
Shows to be staged in South Amboy Friday-Sunday
BY JACQUELINE DURETT Correspondent
There will be no place like South Amboy this weekend. That is especially the case because Triple H Productions' performance of "The Wizard of Oz" is opening.

ED WOJTASZEK Cast members from Triple H Productions' "The Wizard of Oz" rehearse for the shows, which will be staged this weekend in South Amboy.

The play, which is based on the 1900 children's novel by L. Frank Baum and the popular 1939 film starring Judy Garland, tells the story of a girl's adventure through a fantastical land and her attempt to get back home to her family.

The Triple H production is the result of six months of work, including auditions, rehearsals, set building and promotion, according to Triple H founder and Director Wilfredo Hernandez.

"It was an immense amount of planning," Hernandez said, adding that he has tried to keep the show as closely aligned with the movie version as possible.

"We picked ["The Wizard of Oz"] because of its universal appeal to all generations," Hernandez said.

And, he noted, this is the company's first show open to all generations too. Thanks to local interest, Triple H opened the show to adult cast members.

"We're usually primarily focused on grades K through 12," Hernandez said.

"The Wizard of Oz" has a cast of about 60, and although actors came from all over the region to participate, about half call South Amboy home. Word-of-mouth has helped generate interest among the younger performers, the director said.

"When the kids have a good time doing something, they go back and talk about it in school," he said.

Hernandez started Triple H in 2003 when he himself was still in school. While a senior at Sayreville War Memorial High School, Hernandez said he received support from his drama teacher, Michael Piccuirro. The troupe held its first production at SWMHS, but the company then moved to St. Stanislaus Kostka School, also in Sayreville, for four years before moving to South Amboy.

Now Triple H is the official theater company of the city, and Hernandez said he has received plenty of support from local officials.

"This is South Amboy's second venture with Triple H Productions, and we are looking forward to many more productions in the near future," said Mary Lou DeBlis, the city's recreation director. "We are very proud of what Fredo and Triple H Productions have accomplished, and wish them continued success."

Looking ahead, Hernandez said that first up for Triple H's 2009 schedule is Disney's "High School Musical 2." He said the company has just received one of the first highly coveted licenses available for the play.

"I think it's going to be the perfect fit for our organization," Hernandez said.

Both "The Wizard of Oz" and "High School Musical 2" rely heavy on young talent, and that's intentional, since Hernandez said one of the company's aims is to provide children with a theater experience they might not have access to in school. But the experience offers a lot for the adults involved as well. Deborah Murawski of South Amboy decided to get involved behind the scenes of "The Wizard of Oz" at her daughter Jamie's urging. Murawski lost her husband, Joseph, about a year and a half ago, and was looking for something to get involved with.

"You never know when it's your last chance to do something," she said, adding that this production held particular significance. "It was my husband's favorite movie."

But while assisting with auditions, Murawski was inspired to audition herself.

"I felt like I had to put up or shut up," she joked, explaining that she had already encouraged so many youngsters to go for it. And the risk paid off, as Murawski snagged not just one, but two roles — Auntie Em and a new role called "Oz Woman," which Murawski describes as the "business administrator of Oz."

Murawski said through the process she's learned a lot about theater, and added that she will definitely look for future opportunities to act. She's also made a lot of friends in the process and is particularly fond of the bonds she's forged with her younger cast mates.

And those relationships have been reciprocal, said Colin DeLucca, a South Amboy 16-year-old who will be playing the Tin Man.

"She's like a mother to me," said Colin, who has no shortage of family members around — his father, Frank, is playing the Wizard, and his sister, Kaleigh, is the assistant director.

Theater patrons will be able to see Murawski, the DeLuccas and the 12 other principals of the show — all of whom hail from South Amboy, Sayreville, Old Bridge or East Brunswick — when "The Wizard of Oz" opens Nov. 21 at South Amboy Middle High School, 200 Gov. Hoffman Plaza.

The Nov. 21 and 22 shows start at 8 p.m.; the Nov. 23 matinee is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults; $10 for students and seniors, or for groups of 20 or more. Those interested should call 732-254-1535. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Hernandez said ticket sales have been strong, something he is particularly pleased with, given the current economy. And althoughMurawski admitted to a few preshow jitters, she's thrilled to have this kind of opportunity.

"I really love the idea that community theater is back," she said.