We’ve officially left Kansas (and Minnesota) and have landed in the wonderful world of Oz! So far it’s been a bit of a whirlwind of activity, between finding costumes, props and set pieces, as well as bringing the beloved characters of “The Wizard of Oz” to life on stage, thanks to the fine folks at Tams Witmark Inc. Luckily this production has had a lot of help from the parents of the cast and crew, wizards of the technological persuasion who are working of the many special effects, as well as some hard-working Winkies – also known as middle schoolers -who are using their seemingly boundless energy to make every scene teem with life.

Already members of the production are putting in extra time outside of rehearsals to make sure the show is in tip-top shape for the mid-November performances, spending Saturday mornings at the school to work on set pieces and costumes. There will be beiges, feathers, straw, gingham, fur (faux of course), metals, glitz and glamor, as any show of this magnitude requires in costumes alone. As for the set, well, that’s a secret that will be revealed once the wind switches and we hitch a ride on the wind to opening night.

“It’s been a fun challenge taking such a well-known show and putting our own spin on it,” said Matt Lockett, who will be appearing as the Cowardly Lion. Indeed there are expectations that come with performing a show that is near and dear to so many people’s hearts such as character appearances, memorable lines, and of course the special effects, but Director Tania Legvold is confident that the show will, “blow the audience’s minds” (the pun may or may not be intended, that is still up for debate).

The cast and crew still have a month to prepare for the production, which will be spent on refining their lines, entrances, choreography and evil laughter. Just remember to keep an eye to the sky for any Wicked Witches flying about, and be sure to skip down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald Theater to see the musical November 13-16.