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Located in Plantation, Florida; a beautiful, family-oriented suburb just west of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami.

Located in Plantation, Florida; a beautiful, family-oriented suburb just west of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami.

Niche: Best Schools - 2022
Junior High Students Take Center Stage with Side-Splitting Wizard of Oz Spoof

Junior High Students Take Center Stage with Side-Splitting Wizard of Oz Spoof

When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors

The Junior High School’s recent production of When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors delivered a memorable night of laughter, showcasing the budding talent of its fine arts students and leaving audiences in tears — of joy. Held at the black box theater, the one-act comedy turned the classic story of The Wizard of Oz on its head, with unexpected mishaps, forgotten lines, and even a soundboard operator who insisted on playing dinosaur noises instead of show tunes. This performance wasn’t just about a play going wrong; it was a crash course in comedic timing, resilience, and adaptability for the young cast and crew.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors

The show marked a return to the stage for Junior High’s first competitive one-act play since the pandemic, and it did not disappoint. With 26 cast members performing to nearly sold-out crowds, the enthusiasm surrounding the show was palpable. Lines of eager guests filled the Fine Arts building hallways well before the doors opened at 7 p.m., all eager to witness what would become a highly entertaining and unpredictable night.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors

The play’s plot is centered on a middle school production of The Wizard of Oz, where everything that can go wrong, does — from missed cues to makeshift costumes that fail at the worst moments. Hilarious mishaps ensue, and the actors’ clever improvisations turn potential disasters into comedic gold. As one audience member commented, “This was one of the funniest Junior High plays we’ve ever had!” Many parents echoed the sentiment, sharing that they hadn’t realized their children had such comedic talent.

Fine Arts Director Clay Cartland set the tone before each performance, rallying the cast and crew with words of encouragement. Just before the show, he reminded them that, in live theater, every moment counts, and their energy could bring the audience into their world. As the lights dimmed and the music cued, the young actors took to the stage, bringing humor, enthusiasm, and quick wit to every scene.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors

Lead stage manager Maddie Zhuravel played a key role behind the scenes, guiding the actors and managing all technical aspects to ensure that, in a show about things going wrong, everything went as smoothly as possible. Reflecting on the experience, Maddie said, “It’s been long and hard, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” Her dedication, along with the entire team’s hard work, paid off in a performance that was as technically polished as it was creatively entertaining.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors

After nearly 90 minutes of laughter and applause, the show ended with a heartfelt bow from the cast and crew, followed by cheers from parents and friends who waited outside the theater, many with flowers in hand. When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors was more than just a school play; it was an unforgettable experience that brought the Junior High Fine Arts community together, sparking joy and celebrating the resilience, humor, and talent of these young performers. The show reminded everyone that even when things go hilariously wrong, the power of live theater to entertain and uplift never fails.