About the Musical
The Wizard's Return is a full-length fantasy/adventure musical with an original script by Julianna Siemssen and original music and lyrics by Mr. Derek Olsen. The original production, produced, directed, and designed by Mr. Barry Linn, premiered on Thursday, December 12, 2013 and was performed by Federal Way Public Academy students. The set was built by FWPA students and teachers and featured an on-stage classroom, a castle with a dungeon, and a forest with trees, ferns, mushrooms, and a hut, making it the most technically elaborate set in FWPA's history. Students practiced for six weeks leading up to the performance, which was attended by family, friends, and other members of the Federal Way community.
The Wizard's Return represents the tenth student-written play and the fifth original musical in FWPA's history, upholding its long-standing tradition of encouraging and venerating student-originated work. Student artists even hand-designed the programs! (Credit goes to Serena Kim for official program artwork on this website's homepage) Past FWPA theater productions include Grease, In the Real World (2013), Sumptuosity (2002, 2012), The Overdose (2001, 2011), and House of Providence (2003, 2006). |
About the creators
Julianna Siemssen (Playwright/Actress/Visual Artist), currently a sophomore at Federal Way Public Academy, fell in love with storytelling before she even started school. She has studied voice, piano, and guitar, and has appeared in several theatrical productions. When not writing down new ideas in her ubiquitous gray notebook, she can be found practicing karate, baking, and idly listening to music (maybe even at the same time!)
Mr. Derek Olsen (Composer/Lyricist/Music Director), teacher of drama and Spanish at FWPA, has been in the musical-writing business for twelve years, authoring original works such as Sumptuosity (2002, 2012) and House of Providence (2003, 2006), and composing music and lyrics for A Race in '62 (2004) and The Wizard's Return (2013). Mr. Olsen spends the summer seasons finding inspiration through travel.
Mr. Barry Linn (Producer/Director/Stage Designer) teaches English and debate at FWPA and has led every major theatrical production at the school since the school's inception in 1999. Mr. Linn distinguishes his directing approach with educational contours and a personal touch.
Mr. Derek Olsen (Composer/Lyricist/Music Director), teacher of drama and Spanish at FWPA, has been in the musical-writing business for twelve years, authoring original works such as Sumptuosity (2002, 2012) and House of Providence (2003, 2006), and composing music and lyrics for A Race in '62 (2004) and The Wizard's Return (2013). Mr. Olsen spends the summer seasons finding inspiration through travel.
Mr. Barry Linn (Producer/Director/Stage Designer) teaches English and debate at FWPA and has led every major theatrical production at the school since the school's inception in 1999. Mr. Linn distinguishes his directing approach with educational contours and a personal touch.