In the Middle

The Wizard of Oz captivates audiences with its vibrant performances and heartfelt storytelling. Among the standout characters in the story is the Scarecrow, portrayed by Daisy Cruz, whose portrayal brought depth and humor to the beloved role.

When asked what inspired her to join the play, Daisy shared, "I love the story." Her familiarity with The Wizard of Oz made stepping into the role of Scarecrow a natural choice. "He is the smartest character. He is also Dorothy’s best friend," he explained, highlighting the character's wit and loyalty.

Upon learning she had secured the role, Daisy expressed her excitement: "I got it really fast and I was so happy." Rehearsals, while challenging at times, were met with determination. "Most of the time they are complicated but not too bad," she remarked, emphasizing the team's collaborative effort.

To master her lines, Daisy relied on consistent practice. "We rehearse a lot. I practice on my own also," she noted. Embodying a character without a brain posed its own set of challenges. "It’s pretty easy to do and a lot of fun," she said, reflecting on the playful nature of the character.

Reflecting on her experience, Daisy expressed a desire to continue in the performing arts. "Definitely. I want to have a real future in acting, dancing, and singing," she affirmed, indicating that this performance is just the beginning of her theatrical journey.

Through her portrayal of the Scarecrow, Daisy not only entertains but also reminds audiences of the value of friendship, self-discovery, and the joy of performing.

In the world of theater, few roles are as iconic as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. For student actor Ameer, portraying this beloved character has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience.

Ameer’s journey into the world of Oz began with an appreciation for the original film. "The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies," he shares, highlighting his connection to the story. Initially, Ameer had his sights set on the Scarecrow, drawn by the character's whimsical nature. However, the complexity of the Scarecrow's lyrics proved challenging.

Rehearsals were intense, demanding both time and energy. Ameer describes the process as "hard work," emphasizing the dedication required to bring the character to life on stage. The team began with run-throughs, followed by "blocked" scenes—those carefully choreographed to ensure a seamless performance.

Memorizing lines is a crucial aspect of theater. Ameer employs various techniques to commit his lines to memory, though he keeps the specifics to himself. This personal approach helps him maintain focus and authenticity during performances.

Portraying a character without a heart presents unique challenges. Ameer reflects on the need to "act emotionless sometimes," yet acknowledges the Tin Man's underlying sensitivity. This duality adds depth to his portrayal, resonating with audiences who understand the character's longing for love and connection.

While the Tin Man may not be the central figure in every scene, Ameer recognizes the character's significance. "Not as important as other characters but does appear in some scenes – but he is one of the major characters," he states. This perspective underscores the ensemble's collective effort in telling the story.

One of Ameer’s favorite aspects of the production is the camaraderie with his fellow cast members. "Making [the play] together" stands out as a highlight, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the production.

Among the lines he delivers, Ameer particularly enjoys introducing how his character "rusted over," a moment that showcases the Tin Man's backstory and adds a touch of humor to the performance.

Reflecting on his experience, Ameer expresses a desire to continue participating in theater. "He would continue to do other plays," he shares, indicating a passion for the craft that extends beyond this production.

Ameer's journey as the Tin Man has been a testament to growth, dedication, and the transformative power of theater. Through challenges and triumphs, he has embodied a character that resonates with audiences, leaving a lasting impression both on and off the stage.

When asked what inspired Amy to join the play, she shared, "I wanted to give it a try. It’s my first time acting in a play." Her familiarity with The Wizard of Oz made the decision even more appealing. "Yes," she confirmed, "I knew the story before joining."

The choice to play the Cowardly Lion was a natural one. "He is the funniest character," Amy said, highlighting the role's comedic potential.

As a first-time play actor, rehearsals presented both challenges and rewards. "It took a little while to get used to them," she admitted. Despite the challenges, she found the experience enjoyable.

Without relying on tricks, Amy credited her ability to remember lines to natural aptitude. "I am just good at remembering things, luckily," she said.

Portraying a character who lacks courage was both fun and relatable. "It’s pretty fun and I can relate to him," Amy shared, noting the universal theme of overcoming fear.

The Cowardly Lion plays a crucial part in the story." Amy emphasized, "He is a main character to the story," underscoring the importance of courage and friendship in the narrative.

One of the highlights of the production for her was learning the dance steps. "Learning the jitterbug dance," she said, was a favorite part of being in the play.

When asked about her favorite line, Amy quoted a memorable moment from the show:

Nerves before a performance are common, and this student had her own way of calming them. "I do a countdown that Ms. Statile taught us," she shared, a simple yet effective method to boost her confidence.

Reflecting on her experience, Amy expressed a desire to continue in the world of theatre. "Definitely," she said when asked if she would consider participating in future plays. "I love acting a lot."

Through her portrayal of the Cowardly Lion, Amy will bring the passion that goes into bringing a character to life on stage.

In a dazzling display of talent and passion, Laura Burdzy, a dedicated performer at Garfield Middle School, has taken center stage as Dorothy in the school's production of The Wizard of Oz. Her journey from audition to performance offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a young actress living her dream.

When asked what inspired her to join the play, Laura shared, "I thought it was a good opportunity. I love to perform and entertain." Her enthusiasm for the arts is evident, and her choice of Dorothy as her role was a natural one. "I connected to her the most. I have a dog myself and I love my dog too," she explained, highlighting the bond she shares with the character.

The audition process was competitive, with many students vying for the coveted role of Dorothy. Despite the stiff competition, Laura was thrilled to land the part. "I was so excited. I tried out for the Scarecrow also. There were a lot of students who tried out for Dorothy," she recalled.

Rehearsals were both challenging and rewarding. "At first it was a little hard but then I began to ease into it," she said, reflecting on the initial hurdles. Her costume process was manageable, with only one change required. "I only have one change so it’s not that bad at all," she noted. However, she admitted that managing her hair was the most challenging aspect of the costume.

Portraying a character who longs for home resonated deeply with Laura. "Dorothy knows how much she loves her home and she tries to act with that kind of character," she said. Reflecting on her experience, Laura expressed a desire to continue acting. "Definitely. I want to have a real future in acting, dancing, and singing," she affirmed, indicating her aspirations for a career in the performing arts.

Ma'Tai Hassan plays Dorothy's loyal companion, Toto, and brings the character to life. When asked what inspired him to join the play, Ma'Tai shared, "I like musical theatre." His familiarity with The Wizard of Oz made the decision even more appealing. "I always liked the story," he added, noting that choosing Toto was a natural fit. "I thought it would be a lot of fun."

Rehearsals presented their own set of challenges, especially when it came to the choreography. "For some of the dances, it is pretty easy, but there are more challenging dances," he admitted. To keep his performance sharp, he relied on cues to remember his lines, stating, "I use a lot of cues."

Portraying a dog came with its unique experiences. "Sometimes I feel silly—sometimes excited," he confessed. Despite the challenges, he found the costume manageable. "Not hard at all," he said about the time it took to put on and take off the costume. "No, it's easy," he added when asked if it was difficult to move around in the costume.

One of the highlights of the production for him was the opportunity to spend time with friends. "Spending time with friends," he said when asked about his favorite part of being in the play. As for his favorite line, it was his dramatic entrance: "My entrance front handspring."

Reflecting on his experience, Ma'Tai expressed a desire to continue in the world of theatre. "Definitely," he said when asked if he would consider participating in future plays. "I want to have a real future in acting, dancing, and singing."

Through his portrayal of Toto, this student not only entertained but also showcased the dedication and passion that goes into bringing a character to life on stage.

Dorothy 125

Toto 80

Glinda 29

Wicked Witch (Elphaba) 49

Scarecrow 62

Tin Man 73

Lion 82

Munchkins 31

Flying Monkeys 201 ***winner***

The Wizard 29

Soldiers 16

In an exciting display of teamwork, grit, and determination, the GMS girls’ softball team secured a 25-13 win in a game that had fans cheering from start to finish.

In an unforgettable evening, the Garfield Middle School community also gathered to honor Ms. Francica, who conducted her final concert before retiring after years of dedicated service. The event, held on May 21st, was a testament to her unwavering commitment to music education and the profound impact she has had on countless students.

The auditorium was filled with a sense of anticipation as students, parents, alumni, and faculty took their seats. The concert showcased the exceptional talent and hard work of the current band members, chorus members and dance club. As the evening progressed, the performances reflected the diverse musical journey Ms. Francica has guided her students through over the years.

Ms. Statile and Mr. Ebbels had wonderful tributes to Ms. Francica as well as a very heartfelt dedication by Principal Rigoglioso. It was a very memorable night for our GMS family.

Mr. Gonzalez June 2nd

Ms. Whitney June 3rd

Ms. Celona June 5th

The Haunting Hour is a spooky collection of short stories written by R.L. Stine, the author best known for the Goosebumps series. In this book, Stine tells several creepy stories that are perfect for kids who enjoy being scared—but not too scared.

Each chapter is its own story, with different characters and scary situations. Some of the best stories include “The Bad Babysitter” and “Revenge of the Snowman,” which start out normal but quickly take strange and creepy turns. One of the best things about the book is that you never know how a story will end. Most of the endings are surprising and sometimes even a little funny.

The writing is easy to read, and the stories move quickly, which makes the book hard to put down. Even though some of the stories are a bit predictable, most are fun and exciting. The author does a great job building suspense and making the reader feel nervous—in a good way!

If you like scary stories with ghosts, monsters, or weird surprises, you will probably enjoy The Haunting Hour. It’s a good choice for middle school readers who like horror.

I loved the book. It wasn't too scary it was like my kind of book it was perfect not too scary not too babyish. It was the kind of book I wanted to read however, I personally love scary things.

Email: abugge@gboe.org
Location: GMS, 175 Lanza Ave, Garfield NJ 07026
Phone: 973-272-7020

Student reporter: Venessa Szewczzyk