The Sing Hosanna! Production Company is enjoying its trek down the yellow brick road in preparation for "The Wizard of Oz," its fall performance that opens this weekend at the Butler Intermediate High School.

Taking the ruby red shoes from the wicked witch is Meggan McGuire, a sixth grader from Buffalo Elementary School. She is no stranger to the stage and eagerly tried out for the role of Dorothy after being encouraged by her aunt, who saw the ad in the newspaper.

"It is really awesome to meet new people and make friends here, everyone is just so nice," said McGuire, who is new to the group.

"I like to have the opportunity to show off my talent and to be a role model to some of the younger kids," McGuire said.

Also taking the stage for the first time with Sing Hosanna! is Joel Richardson, an eighth grader at Butler Junior High School, who will play the Tin Man.

"The original Tin Man cancelled and Mrs. Kobil called and invited me to try out," said Richardson, who last performed in the musical "Anything Goes" during the sixth grade.

"I enjoy acting and this was the first opportunity I was given for a lead role," he said.

Though the costume can be cumbersome, Richardson is enjoying the experience.

The Cowardly Lion is being portrayed by veteran Sing Hosanna! member Dean Snyder. He has been involved in every production for the past 14 years, but this is his first role playing an animal."Memorizing all the lines is pretty intense, but Ralph's production is based more on the movie than the book or stage version, so it will be easily recognized," Snyder said."The Cowardly Lion was my favorite character in the movie, so I wanted the chance to play him. I have always been a fan of Bert Lahr and hope to do justice to the role he created."Bill Young of Butler Township dons two hats in his role of the Wizard and the professor in this production. "When I auditioned I really wanted the role of Professor Marvel, the Wizard comes along with the territory," explained Young. This will be Young's fourth production with Sing Hosanna!Young enjoys the time he spends with this acting ensemble. "I have found a home here. The atmosphere is very encouraging and I look forward to being with these folks," he said.The Scarecrow will be portrayed by Brittany Scott and Kelsey Kobil. Scott will be featured on Friday night and Kobil at the Saturday performance.Both girls find it challenging to lower their voice and talk like a man."It is hard for me to also talk like I don't have a brain," Scott said.Kobil, who has appeared in several Sing Hosanna! productions, is enjoying the departure this role affords."This role gives me the opportunity to be goofy and crazy on stage. And while that is more fun, it is also more challenging. For me, it is easier to be more serious with my acting," Kobil said.Ralph Christy productions are family affairs, pulling mothers and fathers and actors into the entire process.During the Saturday performance, there will be a "Best Handmade Oz Costume" contest. Prizes will be awarded to members of the audience who come dressed as their favorite Oz character. Judges will announce the winners of the various age categories during intermission.