Cast and crew of the Butler Summer Dramatics Project are in their final stages of preparation for this year’s musical, “The Wizard of Oz” which opens on July 28 for a four-day run at the Succop Theater on the Butler County Community College campus.

The title role of Dorothy is being played by Jessica Ortiz, 18, of Penn Township.

Ortiz has grown up in the theater and will be attending Penn State University in the fall to pursue a degree in musical theater.

“I have had a lot of fun studying this role over the past few weeks. Even though she is very young and naive, she is still strong and will do whatever she can to get back home,” said Ortiz, who delights in bringing something new and fresh to every role she plays but sees this role differently.

“For Dorothy, I am trying to keep it as close to the original, Miss Judy Garland, as I can. That’s what most people will be expecting to see when they go see ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” she said.

Ortiz has come off a long run of playing strong, bold and mature roles.

“Dorothy is a bit different for me, but she does have very strong characteristics to her, and you can tell by her drive and through every song she sings. One of my strengths is storytelling, and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is one of the greatest stories of all time,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz said one of her favorite parts of the production is the “Jitterbug” number which is only in the stage version.

“It’s the show-stopping number, and I think every person in the whole theater — both actors and audience members — will have a lot of fun,” she said.

Ortiz last took the stage in ‘Rent’ with the Pittsburgh Musical Theater in the role of Joanne.

The roles of Dorothy’s Aunt Em and Glinda the Good Witch are being portrayed by AnnMarie Lowerre, 18, of Butler, who will be pursing musical theater at Youngstown State University in the fall.

“Auntie Em is the typical, lovable aunt. She only wants the best for Dorothy at all times, but she comes off a little harsh sometimes,” Lowerre said.

Her other role, Glinda, “is mystical and magical,” said Lowerre.

“She is always there watching out for the younger characters,” she added.

While playing two extremely different parts in the same production could be daunting, Lowerre said she thrives on the challenge of it.

“I am so happy that I’m able to play two complete different parts. It gives me extra experience, but I also get to show my acting ability,” she said.

Lowerre favors the Munchkin song in this show.

“Clare Steveson did an amazing job with choreographing it, and the Munchkins are just so cute,” she said.

One of Dorothy’s companions on her journey is the Tin Man, being played by Brecken Farrell, 15, of Jefferson Township.

“He is a man of tin without a heart. He is the most tender and emotional of all the characters,” Brecken said.

The role is a challenge for a variety of reasons, he said, but one that he eagerly welcomes.

“The Tin Man requires me to use my strengths in acting, vocal and dance. The role challenges me to embrace my movement because my costume is entirely made of tin,” he said.

This will be Brecken’s second appearance with the Summer Dramatics Project, but he trains year round at Pittsburgh Musical Theater in voice, dance and acting. He’s been in 10 professional shows with PMT and is currently performing in its “Sweeney Todd.”

Also starring in the production is Waylon O’Donnell as the Scarecrow, Derek Gieraltowski as the Cowardly Lion, and Colleen O’Neal as the Wicked Witch.

The Summer Dramatics Project is an annual production with the goal to mentor and encourage young actors as they develop and hone their theater skills.

This year’s show has 70 children participating from ages 7 to 24.

The mostly student-led productions have auditions annually in May and produce a show in late July or early August. The project is under the direction of Gordon Cavalero.