Lions, tigers, bears and witches flying by on bicycles.

The Bow High School auditorium will have it all, as students will perform “The Wizard of Oz” for three nights beginning Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the acting and musical numbers in the play, this year’s performance will have something not seen at the school in the past, as cables and harnesses will be used to lift actors off the stage.

“I found out (flying) would be possible, and I announced it at practice and the kids were screaming and running around so excited,” said Julie Westcott, the play’s director. “When it all came together, they were so psyched, and it helped bring the show to a different level.”

Westcott has had the script since September, and the group of students has been working on the final product since January. The director said even students who aren’t veterans to the stage have made the play flow smoothly.

“I am lucky to work with some really gifted kids. They rise to the occasion, even if they don’t have a lot of experience,” said Westcott. “They’re musically gifted, so they can parlay that into a great show.”

Those involved in the play came together to create bright and vibrant scenery and a mobile tornado that moves fluidly across the stage, making the audience feel at home from Kansas all the way down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City.

One of the props used in the play was extremely lifelike, as Toto is being played by a live dog. And, Bow police Sgt. Margaret Lougee, the school’s resource officer, will be seen, sort of, as her legs will be the Wicked Witch of the East under the house.

Westcott said although she has directed many plays, she never gets sick of opening night in front of a packed auditorium.

“It’s such a cool feeling. It’s the 29th show I’ve directed, but it never get old to me to see how the kids feel to see their hard work,” she said.

The play will be performed at Bow High School, Thursday, May 1, to Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.