ATKINSON — When Kimberly Raymond was a young girl, "The Wizard of Oz" was one of her favorite movies.
Now, the 28-year-old Salisbury woman gets to wear the ruby slippers as Dorothy in Life Visions' version of the famous film today at the Atkinson Community Center. The Newton business provides day services for disabled adults in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Raymond and nine other disabled adults will perform their own version, which follows a year of rehearsals.
Lynn Tonkin, associate director of day services at Life Visions, said the cast chose "The Wizard of Oz" in October 2008, a month after they performed their first play, "Grease."
Since then, they have rehearsed twice a week at the Newton office, practicing the music and creating lines, Tonkin said.
The cast members have cell phones, and Raymond said Dorothy gives the other characters some attitude while dress shopping at the mall.
"Instead of going to see the wizard, we're off to see the Emerald Mall," Tonkin said.
And some of the cast members differ from those in the original production.
Two of the Munchkins are more than 6 feet tall.
"That itself leads to a little bit of comedy," Tonkin said.
She said the improvisational theater group helps to teach life skills as well as providing a little fun.
Some cast members said the play gave them a chance to show their true colors on stage.
"I get to sing and I can express myself," said Al Ruiz, 24, of Haverhill, who is playing the Cowardly Lion.
Raymond said the play is a chance to be creative.
"I like to be imaginative and I like to create things," she said.
Their last performances were a success, and Tonkin said they expect the same from this year's show.
Their two shows drew a combined crowd of 250 people.
"It was just an overwhelming show," Tonkin said.
There will be a 1 p.m. performance and a 6 p.m. show at the Atkinson Community Center.
Tickets cost $5 and can be reserved by calling 382-0038.
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