It may be 85 years since "The Wizard of Oz" first hit movie screens, but the story's message is as relevant today as when it debuted, said Nathan Frey, a sophomore who plays the Wizard and Professor Marvel in Donegal High School's production of the musical.

"I think a big part of this show is going out and figuring things out on your own," he said. "Dorothy is a young girl, and she goes out and has this wild and crazy adventure with little to no help, and she comes back and has this realization that where she wanted to be was where she left in the first place."

"The Wizard of Oz" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8; at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at Donegal High School, 1025 Koser Road, Mount Joy.

While audiences can expect to see iconic characters on stage, they are also in for a treat with special effects and unique staging, said Rachel Wallace, a sophomore who plays the Wicked Witch of the West.

"There's going to be lots of smoke, lots of fire," she said. "I'm going to shoot fire balls while flying on my broom."

Rachel is just one of several characters who will be flying on the stage, and the cast spent time with a professional crew to learn the basics of using the harnesses.

For the performers, finding a balance between playing a well-known character and portraying their own interpretation has been a focal point of rehearsals.

"Finding the witch voice was kind of a struggle," Rachel admitted. "I've looked to the movie for inspiration in how she acts and the different tones, moods and facial expressions."

For Hannah Slobozien, a senior who plays Dorothy, inspiration is coming from Judy Garland mixed with her own elements.

"All of my past roles have been much crazier, so I'm trying to find the stillness of Dorothy, but also the youthfulness and the playfulness that Dorothy would have," she said. "At the same time, she does grow and develop and mature, so showing that side of her and the maturity she ends up having is important, too."

Donegal's production features a cast of students ranging in age from young elementary school kids to high-school seniors. The role of Toto, Dorothy's dog, will be portrayed by Lily Graybill, who will operate an oversized marionette of the pup.

For Hannah and Nathan, getting to work with the younger students has provided an opportunity to come full circle. Both were in Donegal musicals before they entered high school, and they are enjoying the chance to serve as role models and mentors to kids they hope will be a part of Donegal Performing Arts (DPA) when they get to high school.

Among the special effects, flying and puppetry, audiences can expect to see a timeless message of friendship and the meaning of home in the show, Nathan said.

"When you say 'Wizard of Oz,' everybody immediately knows what you're talking about," he said. "When you say 'yellow brick road,' everybody immediately knows what you're talking about. I'm hoping we can put our own little DPA spin on this and make people appreciate the story in a way they haven't before."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.dpa.donegalsd.org.