A cast of more than 50 children and teens are ready for their final weekend of traveling to Oz.

There are three more performances of “The Wizard of Oz Young Performers Edition” at Leeds Center for the Arts: tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

“It’s an iconic tale with characters that are well known,” Leeds Board President Tracey Miller said. “It’s been a real pleasure to watch them grow as performers.”

The cast of 54 ranges in age from 6 to 18, she said.

“This is our first large-scale all-children production,” she said. “They’ve been a pleasure to work with.”

For many, it’s their first show and most didn’t know the story behind the play.

“A lot of them haven’t seen it,” Miller said. “It’s been neat to see them learn what it’s about. We have a lot of little surprises throughout the show that will make it fun to watch.”

The play is directed by Mary Kate Knight, and Ron Wilbur is directing the music.

“He’s been a real inspiration for the children in growing their voices for the production,” Miller said.

Youth productions like this are one of the main goals for the 91-year-old theater and its board.

“This is why the board works so hard, to have an avenue for the young generation to perform and grow,” she said.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children at leedscenter.org or at the door.

Contact Fred at fred.petke@winchestersun.com.