Penn Elementary presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’

NORTH LIBERTY — Penn Elementary School in North Liberty is presenting the first production of their new theater program.

The kids are performing “The Wizard of Oz” in the auditorium of Liberty High School, 400 Dubuque St NE, North Liberty, April 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the door ($5) via cash, check or Venmo.

The show is being directed by parent Zachary Mannheimer and produced by parent and current Iowa City School Board member Lisa Williams.

“We are so excited to bring together so many of the Penn Elementary community to present this production," Mannheimer said in a news release. “Most of the students have never had the opportunity to participate in a show, and they have excelled. Theater is the ultimate collaborative event, and we are fortunate to have so many great partners at Penn.”

Parents, teachers, and other community volunteers have come together to create a production with over 70 elementary students performing and working backstage. The production will bring together the talents of many faculty and staff, with a surprise guest playing the Wizard of Oz.

“This is one of the many examples of the extraordinary opportunities being offered to students in the Iowa City Community School District,” Williams said. “These students have risen to the occasion and are going to put on a remarkable show.”

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