More than 40 kids from the Longmont area are rehearsing this week to be part of the Missoula Children’s Theater production of the The Wiz of the West, held at the Longmont Museum Friday and Saturday. Missoula Children’s Theater is the world’s largest touring children’s theater group, and this will be their only stop in Boulder County this summer.

Auditions were held Monday morning. All roles were cast that afternoon, and the young performers immediately began an intensive rehearsal schedule leading to the shows this weekend. The Wiz of the West will premiere Friday night at 5:30 pm and Saturday afternoon at 3 pm at the Longmont Museum’s new Stewart Auditorium at 400 Quail Rd.

The Wiz of the West is the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, but with a twist. Follow Tinhorn, Lionel, Scared Crow, Dotty and of course her little dog Mooch through a saga of Western adventure and personal discovery.

Media are invited to attend a final dress rehearsal Friday, held from 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Museum’s Stewart Auditorium.