No doubt you've already seen the signs around town. Colorful banners mounted in front of local businesses proudly announce the Hi-Liners' upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.

Based on the beloved 1939 MGM movie classic starring Judy Garland, the Hi-Liners' show promises all your favorite tunes, such as "Over the Rainbow" and "Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead."

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion ... they'll all be there.

But in case you are saying to yourself, "I've already seen the movie a dozen times. I don't need to see it anymore," think again.

Like the adage goes, this isn't your father's or grandfather's Wizard of Oz. THIS is the Hi-Liners!

Fifty-six young performers take the stage to sing, act, dance-and follow a yellow brick road in search of the mysterious and powerful Wizard.

Ranging in age from 9 to 20 and coming from communities throughout South King County, the Hi-Liners cast does what it takes to enchant and entertain audience in a production that has been described as "original" and "full of surprises."

Director Kathleen Edwards was definitely NOT interested in creating a show that would essentially be a re-run of the movie. "You don't go SEE this show, you EXPERIENCE it!" she exclaims.

"The audience is totally involved," says Edwards, "and we put in as many elements in the show to make kids [in the audience] say, 'Oh wow!' "

For example, audience members receive either a red or white flower when they arrive at the theater. When Dorothy and company run through the field of poppies just before they reach the Emerald City, audience members hold up their red flowers to create the poppy field.

As Good Witch Glinda conjures up the snowstorm, white flowers are held up.

Other wonderful, unexpected treats are in store for audience members as well. But, in Edwards' words, "It's a surprise!"

Des Moines' Demi Jordan can hardly contain her excitement. The Pacific Middle School seventh grader is participating in her third Hi-Liners production.

"I play a Munchkin," says Jordan. And, with friends all around, even rehearsals were fun. After all, "You get to sing and dance!"

Federal Way's Evan Orwig, a Decatur High School 11th grader, is no stranger to the musical stage. But this time, he worked daily for most of the summer to perfect his "floppy legs" as the Scarecrow.

Still, it was all in a day's work for Orwig, a veteran of 44 productions with theatre groups such as Auburn Ave. Dinner Theater, Missoula Children's Theater and Puget Sound Musical Theater.

"I have a dance solo where I get to do somersaults and barrel rolls," says the tireless Orwig.

His foray into the world of theatre began when he was only 5, but it never seems to get old for him.

When asked why audiences should come see the Hi-Liners' Oz, Orwig stated, "The Hi-Liners are different. They bring the show to YOU. And, there's audience participation! I can't tell you what it is, because it's a surprise."

However, he did echo Jordan's and Edwards' sentiments. "Come see the show! It's going to be a lot of fun!"

Musical direction for this delightful production is by Mara Ostrand with choreography by Krystle Armstrong.

The Wizard of Oz runs weekends through Sept. 24 at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401. S. 152nd St. in Burien.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. Sundays.

For tickets, log onto www.hi-liners.org or call 206-617-2152.