The Regional Theatre of the Palouse (RTOP) has landed somewhere outside of Kansas for its production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

The musical, adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber from L. Baum’s original novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” takes more direction from the 1938 film than previous musical adaptions, including Baum’s own musical.

“The Wizard of Oz” has a special place in the theatre’s history. It was RTOP’s first-ever production eight years ago at Beasley Coliseum, said John Rich, Executive Director at RTOP.

Having opened concurrently with Palouse’s annual Lentil Festival, “The Wizard of Oz” was chosen for its appeal to the many families with young children who attend the event. Opening night received a standing ovation, and the following Sunday matinee was oversold, requiring folding chairs to be brought into the theatre to accommodate.

The cast is largely made up of elementary school children, who play the many munchkins. Almost all of the elementary schools in Pullman are represented, with children coming from as far as Tensed, Idaho.

Most of the production’s cast is new to the RTOP stage.

“It’s a lot of new faces for us, which is good. We are a small community,” said Artistic Director Anthony Luetkenhaus. “We do get a lot of the same people auditioning regularly, and our audience likes new faces to see.”

Except for the Cowardly Lion, played by Jorge Barbosa-Rodriguez, a sophomore at WSU studying digital technology and culture, almost all other lead roles are played by students from the University of Idaho. These border-crossing actors include Peter Hanes as the Scarecrow, Scott Dennis as the Tinman, Olivia Calza as the Wicked Witch, and Darin Mitchem as the Wizard of Oz.

Of the play’s cast, Musical Director Jordan Eby, one of the two alternating actresses playing Dorothy, has had the most experience as a lead actor for RTOP. Previously, she played Poppea in Monteverdi’s play “The Coronation of Poppea.”

Alternatively, Daphne Felstead, a Pullman native, will play Dorothy on select nights.

Executive Director John Rich has an extensive background in acting and managing. He had a hand in the development and design of RTOP as a whole, and orchestrated the tide of munchkins and full-sized actors. Luetkenhaus, who has 17 years of theatre under his belt, has a hand in anything that can be viewed and interpreted, including lighting and scenery.

“It’s something parents can bring their kids to,” Luetkenhaus said, “and if you don’t have kids then you can relive a childhood memory.”

RTOP has been operating out of a building off of Grand Avenue and Main Street for the last 7 years. Four musicals run during their main stage season, at 11 performances per run.

The show opened Aug. 20, and remaining presentations run from Aug. 26 – 30. Curtain opens at 7:30 p.m., with an additional showing at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Reporting by Emry Dinman