The funk of Oz

When theater teacher Diane Christensen set out to put together the second school musical in Edison High School history, she knew she had to pick something that would pique students’ interests. How can you put on a show without a cast?

The show needed to be fairly famous and have catchy music that would draw Edison in to audition.

“We were looking for something that appeals to the students,” Christensen said.

Christensen chose the 1975 hit “The Wiz,” which has proven popular among the cast. The originally all-black cast of “The Wiz” won seven Tony Awards with Charlie Smalls’ funk and soul-inspired score and its alternative take on “The Wizard of Oz.”

A 1978 film adaptation starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson made the musical even more well-known, even if it did little for the show’s artistic merits. It’s a show Christensen hopes will draw audiences as it did students.

“Most people have heard of the show, but not seen it,” Christensen said.

Christensen said her students are more exposed to mainstream soul and hip-hop, so they connect more with the funky music than with Rodgers and Hammerstein.

“It’s a show they can embrace with their current taste in fast music,” Christensen said.

The students love adding twists to the characters they knew as children in “The Wizard of Oz.”

Rachel Culhane, who plays Dorothy, said it’s fun to surprise people with her more assertive take on the character.

“Everyone thinks of Dorothy as this afraid little girl,” Rachel said. “I love being kind of sassy.”

Rachel and fellow actors Alema Atoafa (the Tin Man) and Nekoa Utai (the Scarecrow) say they are excited to be part of Edison’s fledgling drama program. Rachel is enrolled in the Academy of Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School as well. She said Edison’s program has a family feel as opposed to the highly competitive atmosphere of the academy.

“Everyone has a really great time and really love each other,” Rachel said.

The success of last year’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie” has led the school to establish a theater class.

“It’s pretty exciting we’re getting back in the swing of musicals,” said Edison High School Choir Director Joe Kral.

Who: Edison High School Drama

What: “The Wiz”

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. Saturday matinee.

Where: Ethel Dwyer Middle School Auditorium, 1502 Palm Ave.

Cost: $10 for adults; $7 for students and seniors.

Information: (714) 964-1356.