FREEPORT – Auditions for what could be the show of shows at the Freeport Performing Arts Center, “The Wizard of Oz,” are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the venue.

Freeport Players and Freeport Family Performing Arts are working jointly to produce the American musical classic, which will involve seven shows in late July. Directors for the production could select a cast of 40 or more.

Elizabeth Guffey, artistic director for Freeport Players, said that “The Wizard of Oz” is intended as a special attraction for the group’s 25th season.

“Technically and cast-wise, it will be one of our two biggest productions ever, along with ‘Oliver,’” Guffey said. “We’re going to need a lot of different people for a lot of different reasons. Our goal is to get a broad cross-section of our community.”

Auditions March 28 will be for leads and featured roles, and will take place from 7-9 p.m. On March 29, from 2-5, the directors will conduct auditions for the ensemble and youth parts. Director Steph Ross, co-director Tim Ryan and musical director David Delano will choose the cast.

Lead roles, or course, will include Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. The citizens of Munchkinland and the Ozians will be among the ensemble roles. There are many musical numbers, including the classics “Over The Rainbow,” “We’re Off To See The Wizard” and all the rest.

Guffey said that the play will need a minimum of 20 characters, and directors will be flexible with their choices.

“We are also looking for a few musicians (percussion, reeds, trombone, trumpet) for the pit band and a whole lot of carpenters, tinkerers, painters, crafters and sewers to help us create the sets, props and costumes for the show,” Guffey said.

Anyone interested in being part of the show in that way should contact her at info@fcponline.org.

“The Freeport Family Performing Arts model is to cast everyone who auditions,” she said. “There’s a very large and flexible ensemble. We need flying monkeys and things. We’re going to need people playing trees and corn stalks, and elements of the twister. We’re hoping more like 40. With less, people do more, or we redesign the show. We’re intentionally designing the show to involve as many people as possible.”

Guffey said that mothers, fathers, grandparents and children are encouraged to audition.

“Freeport Family Performing Arts, to their credit, is involved with that,” she said.

As much as directors are looking for numbers, lead parts are lead parts. Directors will make choices.

“We pretty quickly can narrow it down,” Guffey said. “If there are any doubts, we have what we call a callback session.”

Directors hope to have the cast chosen by mid-April, and begin rehearsals in May, Guffey said.

Co-director Ryan, representing Freeport Family Performing Arts, has little doubt regarding the magnitude of the production.

“It’s going to be the most epic show ever performed at the Freeport Performing Arts Center stage,” Ryan said. “You heard it here first. That’s our goal, anyway.”

Ryan said that Freeport Family Performing Arts has wanted to do a musical, but has lacked the resources.

“Freeport Players has the resources to do it,” he said. “We’re very excited.”

Freeport Family Performing Arts wants families to perform together, Ryan said.

“We’re still in our infancy,” he said. “We’re in our fifth year of operations. We do family productions such as ‘Snow White’ and ‘Peter Pan.’”

“The Wizard Of Oz” will be on stage July 17-20 and July 25-27, with matinees on the two Sundays. Thursday and Friday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., and matinees at 2. Guffey said that there is some consideration being made to begin Saturday shows at 7, so that more children can attend.

A CLOSER LOOK

Auditions for “The Wizard of Oz” are Friday, March 28, from 7-9 p.m., for leads and featured roles, and Saturday, March 29, from 2-5 p.m., for ensemble and youth, at the Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook St. There are roles for people ages 10 and up. Actors are encouraged to email Elizabeth at info@fcponline.org.