The Old Hammondtown School cafetorium is experiencing an influx of singing munchkins. That’s because around sixty of the school’s students are preparing to debut their version of “The Wizard of Oz” on Thursday, May 31.

Director Jillian Zucco has been working on the musical with the drama club since last October. Zucco said she chose the well-known play because it would give all the kids a chance to shine.

“I wanted a show that would help me to incorporate all of the kids, not just have the leads do all of the show,” said Zucco. “I thought this would be a good show for children.”

Old Hammondtown’s production has a modern twist with music from the original version as well as the Motown update “The Wiz”.

Although the young actors, who range from grades four to six, have many commitments (munchkin and flying monkeys often do their homework when not on stage. Zucco said they’ve mastered their musical numbers as well as helping with costumes and set design.

“They’re really motivated,” she said. “The leads had most of their lines memorized by January.”

While the cast is well prepared, they also have a little stage fright.

The Wizard, played by sixth grader Sam Ellis, said he is nervous to perform in front of all the parents, but said the experience has been a good one.

“I’ve been meeting new people and making friends," he said. "There are a lot of different kids that I haven’t hung out with before.”

Sixth grader Nick Claudio said his role in “Oz” was a departure from his personality. Nick originally wanted the part of the Scarecrow but was cast as the Tin Man instead.

“My mom says that I am one of the people who has the biggest heart that she knows so it would be a bit of a challenge since I’m not supposed to have a heart in the play,” he said.

While he was daunted at first, Nick said, “I ended up loving the role.”

Nick’s fellow cast members all have a palpable enthusiasm on stage. That leads fifth grader Grace Russell, who is playing Dorothy for the second time, to be pretty confident that the performance will be a success.

“When we come together, it’s been working out pretty well,” she said.