The Wizard of Oz

The Hooker Oak Elementary School of Chico, California, presented a two-act musical production of "The Wizard of Oz" based on the story by Frank Baum.  The large cast (over 60 members) included Munchkins and Flying Monkeys.  The star of the show, however, was the Cowardly Lion, played by a ten-year-old 5th grader named Gavin Newkirk.  Young Newkirk stole the show with his acting and his singing.  At least one audience member felt this exposition of the Cowardly Lion was the best he had seen since Bert Lahr's performance in the original movie.