The local audio drama troupe presents a new adaptation of the classic novel
Weirton, W.Va., February 24, 2026— This Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cloak & Dagger On the Air will present a brand-new adaptation of the classic 1907 novel, Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum, the third installment in his legendary series of books about the Land of Oz.
Performed as a live audio drama, complete with music and sound effects, Ozma of Oz continues the theatre troupe’s trek through Baum’s classic stories.
This time, Dorothy Gale, portrayed by Anacelia Parissi, is swept away in a torrential storm on her way to Australia with Uncle Henry.
The storm transports her to the Land of Ev, which is not far from Oz, where she is reunited with the Scarecrow (Noah Hilton), the Tin Woodman (David Gaudio), and the Cowardly Lion (Maura Danielle Reiff-Parissi). Dorothy joins Princess Ozma (Micah Underwood), the ruler of Oz, in her quest to free the Royal Family of Ev from the clutches of Roquat the Nome King (Jeffrey Holmes), encountering fun and delightful new characters along the way, including the Hungry Tiger (Dave Zanieski), Billina the Yellow Hen (Clare McDonald), and Tiktok the Mechanical Man (Ralph Parissi).
Robert J. Gaudio portrays L. Frank Baum and serves as narrator for the story.
“Last year, we adapted L. Frank Baum’s first two books in the Oz series–The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz, and our audience enjoyed them so much, we decided to keep going,” said Pete Fernbaugh, co-executive producer of Cloak & Dagger On the Air and the author of the adaptation. “These stories enchant people of all ages with their imaginative scenarios and memorable characters. The tale is fast-paced, the dialogue is witty and subversive, and the values are timeless. It’s no wonder there are societies, scholars, and fan communities devoted to Baum’s works over a century after his death.”
Rounding out the cast is Bethany Fernbaugh, Kami Martin, Karissa Martin, Malachi McClendon, and Nathaniel McClendon. Classical pianist Roberta Mizok Fedoush provides the score, based on music written for Baum’s various musicals, and the Holy Foley Molies will create the live sound effects.
Admission to the production is free, although donations to help with production costs are welcome. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. with a set of Americana music performed by popular musician, R.J. Gaudio, Troubadour. Light refreshments will also be available.
For those who can’t make it in-person, Cloak & Dagger On the Air presents Ozma of Oz will be livestreamed via The Ohio Valley Cloak & Dagger Company Facebook page.
Fernbaugh will also appear on Novotney Now, hosted by journalist and talk show host Steve Novotney, this Thursday at 3 p.m. to further discuss Saturday’s production. Novotney Now can be heard in the Steubenville/Weirton areas on 100.9 FM and AM1430 WEIR and in the Wheeling area on 100.1 FM and AM1290 WOMP.
Top of WV CVB is located at 243 Three Springs Drive, Suite 17, in Weirton, W.Va., behind Crazy Mexican, next to Weirton Pet Spa, and across the parking lot from Bistro 303 Prime Cuisine.
“We encourage folks to set aside some extra time to check out the local businesses around us,” Fernbaugh said. “Three Springs Drive is filled with many dining and shopping opportunities. We hope our show can bring some traffic their way.”
Cloak & Dagger On the Air is a monthly theatrical series from The Ohio Valley Cloak & Dagger Company that celebrates audio drama from all eras, particularly the fabled Golden Age of Radio.
By reimagining classic radio dramas and literary works, along with premiering original stories written and produced by independent writer and actor Pete Fernbaugh, Cloak & Dagger On the Air strives to give audiences an immersive experience that engages the theatre of their imagination in creating a fully realized storytelling adventure.
For more information and for updates on the troupe’s live and recorded productions, please visit The Ohio Valley Cloak & Dagger Company’s Facebook page.
