Los Altos Town Crier » Follow the yellow brick ‘test prep’ road to Spartan Theater

By Joan Garvin

$Image from article Follow the yellow brick \'test prep\' road to Spartan Theater$

Mountain View High School faculty member Tim Farrell spends his educational day teaching intense and important civics lessons to advanced placement U.S. and world history classes, motivating students to apply this information through his Leadership Class.

But after hours, mild-mannered Farrell roars like a lion — well, a cowardly historian who sounds suspiciously like a familar cowardly lion.

Farrell, in collaboration with three-time partner Matt Neely, wrote “MVH OZ,” an adaptationof the movie version of “The Wizard of Oz.” The all-faculty production is scheduled 7 p.m., March 13-15, in the new Spartan Theater.

Co-directors Farrell and junior Ting Ting Wei said that the entire 54-member cast consists exclusively of faculty members. A student ensemble led by Robin Kramer will provide accompaniment.

This is a rare opportunity to enjoy distinguished instructors and staff in some very different roles.

Some are typecast: English teacher Kristen Drolshagen plays Shakescrow and quotes Shakespeare even in moments of crisis.

Principal Pat Hyland is close to her reputation when she plays PJ the Good Principal. It just isn’t too often that she is found in her office in a pink tulle prom gown, coifed with a regal crown, as she waves a wand to solve conflicts.

Who else could be the Admissions Witch of the UC (her sister, Admissions Witch of the CSU, was killed by Dorothy) but counselor Amy Golden, who reveals a wicked cackle.

And, of course, Mountain View Police Schools Resource Officer Lloyd Curns has to be the Policeman.

And some are cast against type: A fading Tin Man begs for “latte,” not oil, because he needs caffeine to be “ready to deal with teens.” Assistant Principal Matt Neely, as Tin Admin, needs a heart because he has “no human touch.”

Definitely against stereotype is a winsome Dorothy Spartan who can’t seem to figure out anything, including that she just has to click her black and gold slippers to get home to MVHS, “back to the SAT test.” Confused and illogical Dorothy is played by — of course — absolute math teacher Marcia Babiak.

Performances are open to the public. A donation of $5 for students with ID and $7 for others is requested at the door. Proceeds will benefit the drama department.

For more information, call 940-4622.