Original Creative Team

A Note From the Director:

As a child of the 1980s, I grew up spending many happy hours playing The Oregon Trail game on the Apple IIGS at school, so when I heard there was a musical about it - I was intrigued. Very quickly I learned about the show and started considering it for our 2023-2024 season. Once the students saw it, everyone quickly got quite passionate about the project - excited to do a show that is a bit non-traditional and designed to keep today’s teenagers engaged. Grab your family and supplies, then get to the wagon for the adventure!

This production marks Tara Filowitz’s musical theatre directorial debut at Valencia High School, although she is no stranger to VHS - or directing. Ms. Filowitz has taught at Valencia High School since 2007 and acted as the TEDxVHS Coordinator since 2017, OCAD Speech Coach from 2018-2020, and Senior Awards Coordinator from 2009-2019. She has also received a generous grant from the PlacentianChamber of Commerce for her work with TEDx. Most recently she directed our Fall Play, The Survivor, and is enjoying her new role as the VHS Drama Teacher. 

Ms. Filowitz would like to thank her amazing family (Paul, PJ, Charly, Mom, Dad & Adam)for supporting her through this transition, the cast and crew for their enthusiasm and creativity, the support of the amazing Grace Stanton and Wendy Umekubo, the Amaya & Christy families for their generous support, Mr. Hurtado & Mr. Stairs for making our Wagon fun and safe, and of course the PYLSUD admin staff and technicians for helping bring this show to life. 

Special thanks to our Music Director, Aaron Al-Imam and our Choreographer, Katie Cruz - without them the show would not look or sound as good as it does! And to our amazing district technicians - Seth Diaz and Blaze Maffia III - whose lighting and sound design rival anything they have at StarKids! It truly takes a village to make a high school show happen and we are grateful to everyone - we feel the love!