Dorothy Gale (Claire Welch) and Toto (played by Misti) encounter the Wicked Witch of the West (Karin Power) in Community College Theatre’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

PENDLETON — Toto and Dorothy aren’t in Kansas, anymore. They are, however, heading to the Bob Clapp Theatre in Pendleton.

College Community Theatre will open “The Wizard of Oz” on Feb. 23 in the Bob Clapp Theatre at Blue Mountain Community College. Based on the book series by L. Frank Baum, “The Wizard of Oz” follows Dorothy Gale as she is transported from Kansas to the wonderful world of Oz.

“‘The Wizard of Oz’ is such an amazing, classic story,” director Doreen Matteson said. “Even if you’ve seen it on film, to see people act it out on stage is just a real treasure. Actors are storytellers, and they do a great job with this one.”

Almost a hundred people auditioned, and Matteson said the show features a range of cast and crew.

“It never ceases to amaze me the range of talents that come out,” she said. “Our youngest cast member is 5, and our oldest is in their 70s — I won’t say exactly — and to bring them all together, to have them work together, it’s been great.”

Pendleton eighth-grader Claire Welch has the coveted role of Dorothy Gale. She said her jaw dropped when she found out what role she had been cast in — then she called her friends.

“I really wanted to be a part of another CCT show,” she said. “The shows that CCT have done have been incredible, and I’ve loved being part of them.”

The primary villain of the show, The Wicked Witch of the West, will be played by Karin Power, an actress described as a wonderful, sweet person off stage and a terrifying wicked witch on stage. The Oz cast also includes Ashlee Zaugg as the Scarecrow, Mischief Zurbrick as the Tinman, Mitchell Fuller as the Cowardly Lion, Jordan Uhlman as Glinda and Nicholas Jennings as the Wizard of Oz. Veteran actors Ellen Wardell and Matt Henry play Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, respectively, and there are two ensembles, one of young children and one made up of teens and adults.

“These are all people from our local community. Some are full-time students, some work full time, but the talent will astound you,” Matteson said.

Musical Director Margaret Mayer said the ensemble members take on multiple roles in the show and spend much of their time singing and harmonizing from Munchkinland all the way to the Emerald City.

The stage musical does include music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y Harburg, so audiences who have seen the 1939 film will be familiar with some of the songs. The stage version includes a few other songs not in the film, however.

Behind the scenes is an entire team painting sets, sewing costumes and crafting props and special effects.

“We have an amazing group of people, creative people, with the sets and the special effects,” Matteson said. “There are millions of reasons to come see this.”

As with most CCT productions, opening night, Thursday, Feb. 23, is a “pay-what-you-can” night, so no tickets will be sold and seats will be at a first-come, first-served basis.

“The Wizard of Oz” plays Feb. 23-26, March 2-5 and March 9-12. Tickets are available at www.collegecommunitytheatre.com