This weekend, people at Queen of Angels Catholic School might get the feeling they're not in Kansas anymore.

Students at the school will dance down the yellow brick road Friday and Saturday, at 7 p.m. both days, in the school's production of "The Wizard of Oz."

The play follows the story presented in the book and movie, with the addition of a few characters. The show's musical numbers come from the movie, with one piece added.

"I think it stays pretty true," said Alie Perz, who plays the Tin Man.

Eighth-graders at Queen of Angels play the major roles in the play, with students down to fifth grade filling out the cast. Students also helped build the set, and during the production students will operate the light and sound systems, move scenery and help each other with costume changes.

"It's a lot of work," said Katie Beisler, who fills the role of Glenda, the Good Witch of the North.

The nearly 50 members of the cast and crew have met after school several days a week since January, and spent two and a half hours rehearsing every day this week. But despite the long hours, students are excited about for the show and the chance to play their characters.

"It's cool be someone from a whole different era," said Sami Wilson, who plays Dorothy.

Each character has its own personality, and students have learned how to bring out the parts of their role that make them shine.

"I have to fall down a lot, which is definitely kind of hard," said Alexa DeStefano, who plays the bumbling Scarecrow.

Although the excitement of playing their roles has the actors fired up, they still have the normal pre-show butterflies in the stomach.

"It's really fun to do when you're not in front of a lot of people," DeStefano said.

"Lines are killer," said Perz, adding she has an easier time remembering her song parts.

Despite some trepidation, students cannot wait until opening night. "It's more exciting than nerve-wracking when you're about to go on," said Alida Narcisi, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West.

The nature of the production itself also has students excited. Although Queen of Angels put on "The Wizard of Oz" in 1999, this year is the first time any current students have seen the almost two-hour show.

"I think it was a cool play to pick for our last one," said Cowardly Lion Sarah Hanley. Students said they liked the large number of songs, particularly the ensemble pieces that afforded more students a chance to go onstage.

Drama teacher and play director Rebecca Best said she recommended the play to the students because it had a large number of strong female parts. "This year we have a lot of girls in our cast that are great singers," said Best.

Tickets for the show will be available at the door. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Pre-kindergarten students will be admitted free.