"The Oz Monologues," or, what really happened when Dorothy landed in Oz, comes to the Bluffton middle school cafetorium stage next week. This series of skits, monologues and music will delight audiences of all ages. The performances are put on by the Bluffton High School Drama Club.

Performances are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13, at 7:30 p.m. in the cafetorium. General admission tickets are available at the door. Adults admission is $3; students, $1. Kevin Gratz directs the production.

Influenced by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, and Lewis Carroll, children's author L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) published his most famous work, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," in 1900.

The novel's description of Kansas is thought to be based on the landscape of Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Baum moved with his wife in 1888. A classic in children's literature, the story has been translated into more than 40 languages and prompted Baum to write several Oz sequels. The story was first adapted for the stage in 1902 as a musical entitled "The Wizard of Oz." The 1939 film adaptation starring Judy Garland has become a movie classic.

This hilarious behind-the-scenes look at "The Wizard of Oz" reveals what really happened when Dorothy landed in Oz, what became of the other characters after Dorothy left, and the secret behind the "magical" ruby slippers.

Dorothy divulges that she really landed in Oz, New Mexico, where a "prom queen" forced her to wear a hideous pair of red designer shoes that were too small.

The Lion describes her battle with an addiction to McMunchkin Meals and how she changed her diet to include only natural, organic foods.

Since getting a brain, the Scarecrow relates his ongoing problems with anxiety and insomnia.

And the Tin Man details his rise to fame as a reality TV star and his latest book, "My Ordeal with Dorothy."

Character Cast
Dorothy Danielle Rhonemus
Lion Jene Sommers
Scarecrow Zachary Harlow
Tin Man David Yoder
Glenda Jennifer Hieronimus
Wicked Witch West Ashton Cluts
Wizard Mary Woodruff
Wicked Witch South Halle Steingass
Munchkin 1 Emily Sycks
Munchkin 2 Ava Yoakam
Tourist 1 Ashton Cluts
Tourist 2 Jane Sycks
Cliff Liz Diller

Assistant Director Danielle Rhonemus
Stage Manager Mary Woodruff
Artistic Set Designer Danielle Rhonemus
Costume Design Zach Harlow