A soul version of the "Wizard of Oz" took center stage in Verona on Friday night. The ShenanArts production of "The Wiz" featuring songs, choreographed dances, and special effects opened on Friday.

American Idol finalist Colton Berry, the director, has been working on the production for more than three months. Berry says it has been great to be back in the Valley and to work with such talented people.

"It's some of the best vocalists I've ever met in my whole life," says Berry. "It's a lot of fun, really, really funny, and just a good time."

Berry makes a short cameo in the production and he also performed an intermission concert. "The Wiz" continues through the weekend and then again next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.