The community is invited to visit the magical land of Oz this weekend.

The “Wizard of Oz” is a 1939 film that has been redone and adapted for audiences of all varieties over the years. Now, Washington Middle School students will perform another rendition of the production for the county to enjoy on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The production will be held at the Historic Washington Middle School Auditorium.

“Everything is going fantastic and the kids are working really hard and it will be a really great show,” director Kristin Preston said during an interview Tuesday. “The kids always amaze me, at this age, what they are capable of doing. A lot of times I think that people sell middle school kids short of what they are capable of. They never cease to amaze me, that is for sure.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door or all this week from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Middle School Auditorium. Adult tickets are $6 and students and seniors will pay $3.

“The story-line pretty much follows the movie,” Preston said. “With it being live theater and not Hollywood, there are a few things that are a little different. But the story is pretty much the same. With the passing of Danny Lowe and us trying to fill all of the positions that he has done, we have had people step up to do that. It is a learning curve to try and figure out about everything that he has done to help us, but we are getting it done.”

For the production, Dorothy will be played by Analese Mitson, the Scarecrow will be performed by Reilly Downing, the Tin Man will be played by Levi Hites, the Lion will be performed by Daniel Roberts, and Toto the dog will be played by Isabel Fernandez. This doesn’t include the various other roles, including the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the Good Witch and other familiar characters.

“These kids have worked really hard and we think they deserve people to come and watch that hard work,” Preston said. “The show is perfect for younger kids and is only about an hour long.”

For more information about the production or to purchase tickets, the community can visit the Washington Middle School.

The Washington Middle School cast and crew of the upcoming production “Wizard of Oz” practice Tuesday evening at the Historic Washington Middle School Auditorium. With just a few days left to practice, each student worked hard to ensure their part was precise.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2017/02/web1_IMG_2873.jpgThe Washington Middle School cast and crew of the upcoming production “Wizard of Oz” practice Tuesday evening at the Historic Washington Middle School Auditorium. With just a few days left to practice, each student worked hard to ensure their part was precise.

Dorothy (played by Analese Mitson) talks with Professor Marvel (played by Wes Pickering) who is peering into his crystal ball. The students were continuing to finish sets and gather props during practice Tuesday.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2017/02/web1_IMG_2859.jpgDorothy (played by Analese Mitson) talks with Professor Marvel (played by Wes Pickering) who is peering into his crystal ball. The students were continuing to finish sets and gather props during practice Tuesday.