TURNER – More than 90 students will present an entertainment classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10, at Leavitt Area High School.

Also on stage will be younger children of school staff members who portray the Winkies and Munchkins residing in the Land of Oz.

Cast members include Lily Ramser as Dorothy; Madison Cote as Dorothy’s dog, Toto; Erica Lance as Auntie Em; Jacob White doubling as Uncle Henry and the Wizard’s Guard; Meagan Maguire as Miss Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch.

Dorothy’s three friends whom she meets along the way to Oz are Keith Lemelin as the Scarecrow, Tom Hite as the Tin Man and Jesse Jentura as the Lion. Audience members who pay close attention will recognize these three as the farm hands back in Kansas. The Good Witch is portrayed by Alana Mallar; the Wizard, aka Professor Marvel, is Josh Oakes; and the Mayor of Munchkin City is Ben Dostie.

On their journey to Oz, Dorothy and her friends come across the most curious, magical creatures, including the Lullabye League, the Lollipop Guild, the Optimistic Voices, Poppies, Crows, the Winkies, Talking Trees and Flying Monkies.

Featured are theatrical effects and heartwarming numbers like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain/Heart/Nerve.”

Directing the play is Penny Appleby, performing arts teacher at Leavitt, with music direction by Sarah Holsapple, Tripp Middle School music teacher; choreographer by Sarah Perry, a senior at Leavitt; and stage management by Karlee Robinson, a junior at Leavitt.

“The Wizard of Oz” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and $3 for children 5 years and under. They may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the box office at 225-4115.

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