The Wizard Of Oz Comes To Life On Stage With The Help Of Pyrotechnics [VIDEO]

ST. JOSEPH --  The Great Theatre's production of The Wizard Of Oz takes center stage at The College of St. Benedict's Escher Auditorium this week.

The play is based on the 1939 classic movie that stars actress Judy Garland. There are more than 100 cast members in the play that's the first of its kind for the theatre company.

Actors will be on stage with many different effects that include flight and the use of pyrotechnics.

Choreographer, Desiree Clark says fire is an element they wouldn't have been able to incorporate into their show at the Paramount Theatre.

In addition to the special effects the show brings a wide variety of dance to the stage.

Clark says you should come to the show expecting to see the classic tale you're familiar with but there's a few twists to the dance styles, "I've brought in different elements so there's a little bit of hip hop in the crow scene. There's a little bit of jazz. There's a little bit of everything. All of the elements of the dance world can be seen in this, in one form or another."

The show is on stage now through January 19th. Tickets and information are available at the Fine Arts Programming Box Office at the Benedicta Arts Center.

See a short video preview of the play below.