'Theeeeeey're off to see the Wizard...'

The Cowardly Lion, played by Brandon Reaves, center, looks for his nerve while the Tin Man (Todd Williford) searches for heart and the Scarecrow (Shanna Haselton) for brains during the Averitt Center for the Arts production of "The Wizard of Oz."

Reaves Williford and Haselton — The Cowardly Lion, played by Brandon Reaves, center, looks for his nerve while the Tin Man (Todd Williford) searches for heart and the Scarecrow (Shanna Haselton) for brains during the Averitt Center for the Arts production of "The Wizard of Oz."

"I'll get you my pretty...and I'll make sure no one sees your little dog, too!"

We're pretty sure the Wicked Witch never said that, but she did swoop in and steal last weekend's shows, which had to be canceled due to COVID concerns. But the Averitt Center's production of "The Wizard of Oz" will carry on this weekend, with shows tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Starring Julian Schwarz as Dorothy Gale, the cast is eager to bring the beloved story to the stage at the Emma Kelly Theater. The cast includes Christie McLendon as Auntie Em and Glinda, Brandi Harvey as Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West, and John Parcels as Professor Marvel and the Wizard.

Additional performances have been planned for Aug. 19-21, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances. Go online for show times, a complete cast list and to purchase tickets at www.averittcenterforthearts.org.

Dorothy, played by Julian Schwarz, sings the iconic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with her little dog Toto peeking up from her basket.

Schwarz as Dorothy — Dorothy, played by Julian Schwarz, sings the iconic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with her little dog Toto peeking up from her basket.

After being revealed, the Wizard himself, played by John Parcels, bestows brains and a degree on the Scarecrow.

Parcels and Scarecrow — After being revealed, the Wizard himself, played by John Parcels, bestows brains and a degree on the Scarecrow.

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