Local kids to present ‘Wizard of Oz’ Saturday

Local kids who auditioned Monday, are rehearsing every morning this week at Backus to present the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” a theater program made possible through the auspices of the Rainy River Community College Foundation. Two professional actors/directors from Prairie Fire Theater will direct the production as well as play the roles of “Scarecrow,” and “Wicked Witch of the West.” All the familiar “Oz” characters, played by local kids, are included in the production.

Curtain time is at 7 p.m. Saturday on the stage in Backus Auditorium. Admission, at the door, is $6 for adults, and $3 for students.Every afternoon this week, area kids are participating in artist workshops under the direction of local artists from the Northland Art Society, sponsored by the Society and Backus.

The children’s artwork in photo collage, watercolor, pottery, line art/mixed media and clay sculpture will be displayed in a gallery-style art show preceding the musical at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to these activities at Backus, a new, free-meal program for the summer (watch for coming story), as well as the new Backus Kids Club with open enrollment, add to the electricity which fills the Backus corridors.

These opportunities at Backus are funded in part by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council with money from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008, and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature.

WHAT: The musical, “The Wizard of Oz,” performed by local kids, directed by Prairie Fire Theater through the RRCC Foundation.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday at Backus Auditorium.

A gallery-style art show exhibiting the work created by local children this week at Backus, will precede the play at 5:30 p.m.

Play admission: Adults, $6; Children, $3, at the door.