Theater students from the Allentown Jewish Community Center recently performed the musical "The Wizard of Oz."

This two-act musical tells the story of Dorothy Gale from Kansas, who is separated from her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry Gale during a tornado.

As she tries to find her way back home through Munchkinland, a cornfield, apple orchard and forest, she meets a scarecrow without a brain, tin man without a heart and a cowardly lion.

This musical was based on the original motion picture "The Wizard of Oz," from the book by L. Frank Baum.

Deborah Katz portrays Dorothy Gale.

"My character Dorothy is very sweet to all of her friends and she is very kind and hopeful," Katz said.

Katz said she is basically being herself but Dorothy is definitely a lot more adventurous.

"I love being in this play, because everyone is so welcoming and accepting and is so kind," Katz said. "I've made so many amazing friends and the staff are so nice. I love this play."

Elijah Siler commented on his role as the Tin Woodsman.

"My character is a man made out of tin who believes he has no heart," Siler said. "He is a very thoughtful character and he feels a strong connection to his friends."

Siler said his character is almost an alter-ego of himself because he feels connections to his friends.

"I love being in this play," he said. "Everyone is so fun and nice, plus I love acting and singing. Though I have never met some of these people, I have gotten to know them quickly."

Leah Hawk commented on her role as the Cowardly Lion.

"The lion feels like he has no courage and his family disowned him," Hawk said. "He would always put on a brave face for Dorothy, though."

Hawk said when it comes to his friends, the lion's loyalty overpowers his fear.

"I like how we're both scared of many things, but I would still always put my friends first," Hawk stated. "I also like how he cuddles with his tail a lot.

"I love being in this play because the cast got along immediately and developed inside jokes the first day."

"The Wizard of Oz" was directed by Sarah Kuklis and choreographed by Jon Lynch.

Kuklis said she was asked to direct this show for the JCC.

"The show is about a little girl, Dorothy, who comes under attack of mean neighbor Ms. Gulch," Kuklis said. "Dorothy's sweet dog Toto has allegedly bitten Ms. Gulch and Dorothy's family and friends are unable to fight a court order from the mean woman demanding the dog be put down."

Dorothy, convinced her family and friends don't love her because of their inability to help, runs away from home with Toto.

"On the road, Dorothy finds Professor Marvel, who, with some not-so-clever trickery, convinces Dorothy to go home to her family," Kuklis said. "But on the way home, the skies turn dark and a twister takes Dorothy to a place beyond explanation, where she learns some life lessons."