It won't be an average Friday at Hopkins High School on Nov. 6.

There will be 150 different costumes, pyrotechnics and flying aerobatics from witches and monkeys, when the school's Royal Productions opens its adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" at 7:30 p.m. that evening.

The show will run through Saturday, Nov. 14. Director Mark Hauck said the school's production would closely follow the film version of "Oz," which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

It is Hopkins' theater program's largest production to date. It will feature the Hopkins High School Orchestra and more than 120 students in the cast and crew from five district schools - Alice Smith, Glen Lake and L.H. Tanglen elementary schools as well as Hopkins North Junior High and the high school.

More than 20 parent and community volunteers will provide support and ZFX Flying has been hired to do the rigging for the flying scenes.

"This is a Depression-era story, reflecting some of the same struggles that some families might be feeling today," Hauck said. "Like Harry Potter, this is the story of a young hero and other characters who lose their hope, and then regain their hope."

Performances will be held in the auditorium at Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka. For tickets and show times call 952-988-4691 or visit www.hopkinsschools.org.

A special senior preview is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday Nov. 5. During matinee performances, children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters.