Wiz Kids: Needham Players Bring Oz to Local Stage

The sanctuary turned into the wonderful world of Oz on Saturday, April 9, as the talented young actors of Needham Player Productions brought to life the classic story of Dorothy Gale, a Kansas prairie girl who along with her dog Toto is transported to Munchkin Land by tornado.

"The Wizard of Oz" was the group's fourth performance for charity, according to Katy Dirks, who directed the play along with Kelli Connors. Admission was free, but the Players asked audience members to donate money to aid Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11. All money raised last Saturday — more than $800, according to Kevin Keane, who provided some of these photographs — will go toward the relief effort coordinated by the International Rescue Committee. 

The play featured local children ages four to 10, including six Dorothys and a delightfully frightening Wicked Witch of the West (played by Alice Blake).