“The Wizard of Oz,” the Fort Dodge Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade musical, will be performed at 7 p.m. on March 12 and 13 in the Fort Dodge Middle School auditorium.

Nearly 85 students are involved in the production.

In this adventure, Dorothy is carried by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. On her quest to get home, she meets a scarecrow, tinman, lion, good witch and a wizard who assist her along the way. Her journey is fraught with obstacles and pitfalls, such as a Wicked Witch, Flying Monkeys and poppies who sing an enchanted lullaby.

At the end of her quest, she finds that the power to return home didn’t lie within the magic of the ruby slippers, but within the love in her heart.

“The seventh- and eighth-grade musical is an important tradition because it provides a safe environment where students are free to express themselves while representing a different persona onstage,” said Joan Ascherl, middle school vocal instructor. “This impactful experience often leads to new friendships and a greater sense of self confidence.”

Tickets may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com. Tickets may also be purchased the nights of the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium lobby. The general admission tickets are $4 each.