Those attending this weekend's Marietta High School musical production won't be in Kansas anymore after they step in the door.
Children of all ages in the Marietta City school district have been working together since November on "The Wizard of Oz" musical that will be held this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the MHS auditorium.
The musical is based on the 1939 classic film starting Judy Garland as Dorothy, a young girl who is transported from Kansas to a magical land by a tornado.
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CHRISTIAN HUDSPETH The Marietta Times
Students rehearse “The Wizard of Oz” musical Monday evening at Marietta High School. The musical is Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The play features about 100 students from the elementary schools, middle school and high school, according to Jeremy Grosklos, co-director of the show.
This is the second musical that Grosklos, MHS choir director Elizabeth Thacker and Marietta Middle School choir director J.D. Benson have co-directed in the past two years.
"Last year we did 'Footloose.' This year we wanted to choose another classic, something families could really enjoy," said Grosklos. "We ended up deciding 'The Wizard of Oz' would be the best choice. The main reason we wanted to do it was because we knew it would be fun for both the kids and families."
Fact Box
If you go
What: Marietta City Schools "The Wizard of Oz" musical.
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Marietta High School auditorium, 208 Davis Ave., Marietta.
Cost: $10 upper balcony, general admission; $12 floor side sections; $15 reserved floor center.
Last year's musical was a success and with even more children from the district participating this year, Grosklos said he expects a nice turnout.
"Last year we sold out of center and most of the side sections," he said. "Including the students from the grade schools will hopefully mean we have more families coming to watch this year."
Senior Premiere show choir member Samantha Nelson will be playing the role of Glenda the Good Witch in the production.
"I tried out for several other parts including the Tin Man and Auntie Em," said Nelson. "I'm really glad I got the role of Glenda though because it's the one I wanted most."
Nelson is a four-year member of Premiere and has been involved with some form of choir since she was in grade school.
"I've always loved music and singing," she said. "I've only been involved with musicals however for the past couple of years."
For Nelson there is no better way to end her senior year than with an important role in this musical, she said.
"I'm very excited, but at the same time I know it will be heartbreaking when it's over," she said. "Regardless this was so much fun and it really brought everyone together."
Those in attendance will be treated to a very talented cast, according to Nelson.
"There is so much talent in this show and not just the main characters," she said. "Everyone has worked so hard and this is going to be a show that people of all ages can enjoy."
The musical begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Ticket prices range from $10 for general admission to $12-$15 for specialty seating. All proceeds from the event will go toward the costs of the production.
Tickets for the event can be purchased this week from 4 until 6 p.m. in the MHS auditorium and they will be available at the door.
