By Angelica Cataldo

In 2003, a great twister swept the Huntley High School Performing Arts department, leaving Dorothy Gale stranded in the mystical world of OZ with the classes of 2011 and 2012 parading around the stage as munchkins. Now, nine years later after those munchkins are now Huntley High School graduates, the fate of Dorothy Gale and her little dog lies in the hands of this year’s freshman and sophomore theater kids. With a brand new cast, the Huntley High School freshman/sophomore musical plan to take the stage, with full force.

Special affects as well as elaborate set pieces are a big part of what is planned. The “Wizard of Oz” called for almost three times as many set pieces than shows done in previous years, as well as giving some of the actors the ability to take flight on stage. Fourth graders from Conley, Martin and Leggee Elementary schools are this year’s munchkin cast while the rest of the cast is double-casted, meaning two actors will play the same role on different nights.

The entire crew was faced with the constant challenge of dealing with special effects along with flight and safety, but everyone seemed to get the hang of it all. Aside from the technical elements, the actors displayed a great amount of teamwork and unity amongst one another on and off stage.

“I had my doubts, but with the amount of talent we are working with, it’s definitely gonna be a great show,” said assistant director, Bobby Volpendesta.

As performance day draws near, everyone had no doubt that such a unified, and talented  cast would be able to pull together. Director, Nancy Cross and assistant directors, Alex Morton and Bobby Volpendesta, have high hopes for the show, and believe that with the amount of talent and hard work that is there, “The Wizard of Oz” will be major success. Performance dates are at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 -28 and 3 and 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Huntley High School Performing Arts Center.