The Wizard of Oz Blows into Town Tonight

Weather reports are calling for tornado-force winds on the 's stage, as Forever After Productions' classic stage production of the  open a 10-show run.

All public shows are sold out but tickets still remain for the four school shows, set for 9:30 a.m. today, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The six public shows are at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

For those who are most familiar with the movie version of the production, Forever After producer Kyle Kaufmann said that the audience is in for some surprises.

“It’s not a different approach they will see,” he said, about some of the additions, including scenes cut from the movie, as well as new introductions to some of the songs. “It’s more of a fresh approach to the show.”

He also said that for the first time they will be using some bigger, more grand special effects, including extensive pyrotechnics displays.

“We’ve used some smaller ones in the past,” he said, “but this is the first time we’ll be using some pretty big ones.”

The show will feature performances by students (ranging from 6 to 20 years old) from all over the Detroit metropolitan area. Among the 150 that were cast are students from Canton, Plymouth and Northville school districts.

All shows are $15 for adults, students and seniors. For more information on availablitity call the Village Theater at (734) 394-5300 or visit the theater website.