Ellis Middle School students will open "The Magical Land of Oz" Thursday at its auditorium.

The play will begin 7 p.m. Thursday and also will be performed 7 p.m. Friday, said director Erin Schoen.

The play is a variation on the movie "The Wizard of Oz," in which a girl from Kansas goes on adventure in the Land of Oz after a tornado sweeps her house away. During her trip down the "yellow brick road" she meets a scarecrow, tin man, lion and a wizard.

Ninety children in grades six through eight are involved in the musical and have been rehearsing since the middle of October.

Schoen, who has directed plays at Neveln Elementary, said this is the first time she has headed a middle school play.

"The kids are great and work hard and are really excited," Schoen said.

Schoen helped the children with the costumes and the sets and said volunteers have helped also.

Playing the role of Dorothy is Quinn Murray, the Scarecrow is Matthew Dennison, the Tin Man is Trevor Kolb, the Lion is Nate Wilson, the Wicked Witch of the West is Sigin Ojulu and the Wizard of Oz is Garrett Qualey.

Schoen said the play is entertaining for people of all ages.

"I just think that (the audience) will like the kids. They're absolutely fabulous, a really talented bunch of kids," Schoen said.

Tickets for "The Magical Land of Oz" are $5 for adults and $2.50 for students. Children under 4 years old are free.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com