For the first time since 2020, Hempfield High School (HHS) will open its doors to paid customers for live showings of its spring musical. This year's show is "The Wizard of Oz."

According to the Library of Congress, "The Wizard of Oz" - the first movie to use Technicolor - is the most-watched movie in history. The story takes place in Kansas and follows a young farm girl, Dorothy Gale, who dreams of a better place for herself and her dog, Toto. Before she can run away, she is hit on the head during a tornado and is transported "beyond the rainbow" to a land where people from her Kansas life have turned into magical characters. Accompanied by the Tin Woodsman, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy and Toto follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and are rewarded by the Wizard of Oz.

The musical will be directed by HHS choral director and music teacher Alejandro Ramos. "To go back to one weekend, to go back to a full house is an opportunity to show a piece of art that really matters and that really connects a lot of people," commented Ramos. "I think there's something unique about the Hempfield interpretation of 'The Wizard of Oz.' We have a lot of tech elements that we're going to try and have a lot of fun with ... different lights, different sound effects, and different physical effects to make the magic kind of come to life onstage."

Audience members will see Ashley Gage as Dorothy Gale, Noah Felty as the Scarecrow and Hunk, Geoffrey Martin as the Tin Woodsman and Hickory, Hunter Smith as the Cowardly Lion and Zeke, Seán Becker as the Wizard of Oz and Professor Chester Marvel, Macey Lake as the Wicked Witch of the West and Miss Almira Gulch, Camryn Ackerman as Glinda the Good Witch of the North, Annie Keitel as Aunt Em, John Rossi as the Emerald City Guard, and Max Luciano as Uncle Henry.

"I'm most excited for the sound of the audience and the excitement that they're going to have for the show especially because it's a classic," explained Hunter. "So, I'm just excited to see how they'll receive it."

"Last year was only open to friends and family, so I know a lot of people who couldn't come see the production," said Geoffrey. "This upcoming show, I'm super stoked for it."

"The show is super family-friendly, so it's a great opportunity for people to get together with their friends and family and get to see something in person," stated Ashley. "Getting to sing 'Over the Rainbow' at the start of the show is incredible."

"Get tickets while you can because they're going quick, and we want as many people to see the show as possible!" exclaimed Hunter.

A senior citizen preview performance is slated for Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. This dress rehearsal is free to all residents of Hempfield School District age 65 years and older. Tickets and preregistration are not required for the senior citizen preview. Live showings of HHS' "The Wizard of Oz" will take place in the school's Performing Arts Center, 1555 Kauffman Road, Landisville, at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, with a matinee showing at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 6. Tickets can be purchased at the box office before the performances or in advance at https://bit.ly/WizardOfOzHEMTickets.