The Wells Players troupe at Wells High School has announced that they will present the enchanting stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz on stage in the Olenn Performing Arts Center at Wells High School beginning March 19, 2025.    

This musical is based on the original children’s fantasy novel published in 1900, titled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.  In 1939, the book was made into the MGM motion picture The Wizard of Oz.  Years later, it was adapted for the stage by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company.  Popular tunes in the play include "Over the Rainbow" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road."

The story brings to life the mesmerizing and appealing character of Dorothy, a little girl swept away in a tornado who is now trying to find her way back home in Kansas.  She travels the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard of Oz, who can help her return home. Along her journey, she meets a scarecrow, a woodman made of tin, a cowardly lion, and numerous munchkins.

This local high school interpretation is directed by Andrew Lopez, who has been directing stage productions at WHS for over twenty years.  Others who helped make this play come to life include Producer Andrea Hernandez, Alex Bedirian (assistant director), Bailey Smith (musical director), Dianah Shelley (choreographer), and Judi Dion (costume designer).  Mr. Lopez and Mr. Bedirian also designed the stage lighting for this show and created the colorful stage sets.   

"We are excited to bring a classic show to life on the stage and create performances that will have children and adults alike dancing and laughing in their seats,” commented

Hernandez in an email.  She noted that the production involved 55 students, including 10 students from Wells Elementary School.

Curtain times and ticket prices for the Wizard of Oz are as follows: March 19 at 3:30 pm, (free for students and senior citizens, $6 for general admission), March 20 and 21 at 6:30 pm ($6 for students and senior citizens, $9 for general admission) and March 22 at 2 pm ($6 for students and senior citizens, $9 for general admission).

Wells High School Principal Eileen Sheehy recently announced that Senior Cooper Bourque has been selected to receive this year’s Maine Principal’s Award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) in Augusta. Each year, high schools that are members of the MPA select one outstanding senior to receive this honor.

“Cooper is very deserving of this recognition,” remarked Principal Sheehy. “Cooper's dedication to learning and growing while always embracing collaboration, citizenship, and reflection is admirable. He is a natural leader by example and is a very positive influence within our school community.”

“It was unexpected, especially since I didn’t know this was an award,” said Bourque. “I really appreciate it.” During his high school career, he has successfully taken numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including courses in psychology, calculus, literature, and physics. He is a member of the National Honor Society, served on the 2024 prom committee, and, as a freshman, served as Class Secretary.

Bourque is a member of the WHS Football Team and the WHS Indoor and Outdoor Track teams. Recognizing a need, he donated significant assistance in helping to improve the track program at WHS.

As a good citizen, Bourque has tutored a middle school student struggling with math and worked each summer with his fellow football teammates, cleaning up local beaches. “Through the football team, we do a lot of volunteering,” added Bourque, who plans to study Biomedical Engineering in college.

The MPA Award was established in 1984. Award recipients and their principals are invited to attend the organization’s Honors Luncheon in the spring. At that time, recipients will receive a lapel pin and plaque. Also, five of these students will be selected in a lottery to receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The Drama Department at Wells High School has announced that it has been granted one of the first licenses in Maine to present the spellbinding *“*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (High School Edition).  

This two-act play is based on the original Harry Potter story by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne. The production will bring to life the eighth installment of the Harry Potter series in the Olenn Performing Arts Center at WHS beginning November 20th.  

This enchanting production with mesmerizing characters is produced by Andrea Hernandez and directed by Andrew Lopez.  Alex Bedirian is the assistant director, and Judi Dion is the costume designer.

“We have an amazing opportunity to put on a show that pushes our students and faculty to perform at the next level," commented Hernandez in an email.  "We are going to be making people's childhood fantasies a reality.  Harry Potter is a larger-than-life name, and we feel honored to be the first school in Maine to put on this show."

Andy Lopez has been directing stage productions at WHS for over twenty years.  “We are beyond excited to put on such a prestigious and well-known show,” wrote Lopez in an email. “The magic of this franchise will be a fun challenge to bring to life.”

The high school edition of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” returns audiences to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where friendships and adventures await Harry Potter’s son, Albus, who confronts his family's past legacy.

The dates and times of the play are as follows: a matinee on November 20th at 3:30 pm, followed by evening shows on November 21, 22, and 23, at 6:30 pm.   Seating can be reserved and paid for in advance by calling Wells High School or visiting www.wellshs.booktix.com. Tickets can also be bought at the door before each show. Tickets are $6 for students and senior citizens and $9 for general admission.  Seniors, students, and WHS faculty are admitted free for the afternoon matinee on November 20th, but they are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance.

During a recent local television sports news story, Wells High School senior Kendall Maxon said in the middle of a statement, “I like staying active..” which is an understatement for one who not only maintains a 4.0 accumulative grade point average but is the captain of three WHS teams, Lacrosse, basketball, and soccer.

In late August, Maxon was honored with the distinction of WMTW Channel 8’s “Scholar-Athlete of the Week.” She was nominated for this by her Lacrosse coach, Morgan Pike.

“Kendall is an amazing athlete, student, and young lady,” wrote Pike in an email. She was a phenomenal leader as a junior captain last season and helped lead the team to the state championship. Kendall is an athlete who embodies unselfishness and coaching ability. She leads by example, always putting the team's success above her own, and her work ethic is unparalleled. Whether in practice or during the game, Kendall demonstrates commitment and dedication that inspires everyone around her.”

While visiting WHS, Channel 8 personnel filmed Maxon at Lacrosse practice. In an interview, she told Ch. 8 sports reporter Travis Lee that Lacrosse is her favorite of the three sports she competes in. In Lacrosse, she plays “midfield” and “attack” positions.

Maxon indicated that her favorite subjects are math and science. “I’ve always been motivated to do my best in the classroom,” she told Lee. In high school thus far, she has completed six AP college classes and four online York County Community College (YCCC) classes. Once in college, she plans to continue playing Lacrosse and pursue a degree in Business, focusing on Marketing and Management.

Kendall is also interested in real estate and wants to obtain a real estate license this winter and work with her mother, a real estate agent. Kendall has an identical twin sister, Maren who also plays basketball.

The Drama Department at Wells High School has announced that it has been granted one of the first licenses in the United States to present the high school edition of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” This play is based on an original story by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne and will appear on stage at the Olenn Performing Arts Center at WHS from November 20 to November 23, 2024. Producer for the Drama Department, Andrea Hernandez, indicated that more information about this event will be forthcoming.

“We are beyond excited to put on such a prestigious and well-known show,” commented WHS Director of Dramatics and director of this play Andrew Lopez. “The magic of this franchise will be a fun challenge to bring to life.”

The high school edition of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” transports audiences back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where old friendships are tested and new adventures unfold. Set nineteen years after the events of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," this thrilling tale follows the journey of Harry Potter's youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as he grapples with the weight of his family legacy and embarks on a quest to confront the past.

“We have an amazing opportunity to put on a show that pushes our students and faculty to perform at the next level," explained producer Hernandez. "We are going to be making people's childhood fantasies a reality. Harry Potter is a larger-than-life name, and we feel honored to be the first school in Maine to put on this show."

With its timeless themes of friendship, courage, and the enduring power of love, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” offers a spellbinding theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. From dazzling spell-casting to heart-pounding adventures, this production will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

If you would like to nominate a former Wells High School Athlete, Coach, Fan/Contributor for induction into the 2025 Wells High School Warrior Athletics Hall of Fame, please click below:

WHS Hall Of Fame Nominations - Scan            

WHS Hall Of Fame Nomination - Form   

*** The deadline for all nominations is November 15, 2024.