READY TO MEET THE WIZARD — Cloak and Dagger On the Air Executive Producer Pete Fernbaugh, left, and producer and actor Malachi McClendon managed the sound during a recent production of the monthly theatrical series, now in its eighth season. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Cloak and Dagger On the Air will begin its eighth season Saturday, as the live radio drama presents the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Part 2, at 4 p.m.

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m., with troubadour Robert J. Gaudio to perform a set of classic pop, folk and rock favorites for attendees. Light refreshments will be available.

“In December, we presented the first half of the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” pausing at the point in the story where the Wicked Witch of the West has taken the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy prisoner and presumably killed the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman,” stated Pete Fernbaugh, artistic director and head writer for Cloak and Dagger On the Air. “This month, we’ll see how that storyline is resolved, then head back to the Emerald City for Dorothy’s confrontation with the Wizard, followed by her long and arduous trek to the castle of Glinda the Good Witch.”

Local child actor Anacelia Parissi will return as Dorothy Gale. Rob DeSantis will reprise his role as the Wizard. The cast includes Noah Hilton as the Scarecrow, David Gaudio as the Tin Woodman and Maura Danielle Reiff-Parissi as the Cowardly Lion.

Micah Underwood will portray Glinda the Good Witch. Karissa Martin will act the part of the Wicked Witch of the West. Nancy Longo, Malachi McClendon, Clare McDonald and Ralph Parissi, will serve as storytellers. Others cast in the production are Fernbaugh, Bethany Fernbaugh, Nathaniel McClendon, Gabriella West and Dave Zanieski.

Gaudio will appear at the top of the show as L. Frank Baum. Sound effects will be performed by the Holy Foley Molies and classical pianist Roberta Fedoush will accompany the episode with a score derived from the original 1902 “Wizard of Oz” musical.

“Having attended Part 1 is not necessary in order to enjoy Part 2,” Fernbaugh explained, noting each part stands on its own.

“Our heroes go on several adventures in between the Oz stories that everyone knows,” he continued. “These adventures are probably unfamiliar to modern audiences. I think they’re exciting for children and adults, especially since we’re presenting this as a radio drama.”

The Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 243 Three Springs Drive, Suite 17.

“We encourage folks to set aside time to check out the local businesses around us,” Fernbaugh concluded. “Three Springs Drive is filled with many dining and shopping opportunities. We hope our show can bring some traffic their way.”

Cloak and Dagger On the Air is a monthly theatrical series from the Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Co., celebrating audio drama from all eras, including the fabled Golden Age of Radio.

By re-imagining classic radio dramas and literary works, along with premiering original stories written and produced by Fernbaugh, Cloak and Dagger On the Air strives to give its audiences an immersive experience that engages the theater of their imagination in creating a fully realized storytelling adventure.

Admission to the performance is free, although donations are accepted.

The event will be live-streamed through the Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Facebook page.

Information and updates on the troupe’s live and recorded productions can also be found on the Facebook page, Fernbaugh exclaimed.