OxfordPress.com

LEBANON — Victoria Wood's star is already shining, but the 11 year old from Lebanon has her sights set even higher.

Victoria is appearing in her second touring company production, which opened Tuesday Nov. 11 at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati.

As a munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz," Victoria is fulfilling one of the many dreams of her young life, with a little help from actor and talent scout Carrie-Ellen Zappa, who runs Zappa Studios in Cincinnati.

Victoria's mother, April, can attest to her daughter's love for the Oz character Dorothy at a young age, as she refused to wear anything on her feet but ruby red slippers. Despite her attachment to Dorothy, though, Victoria said she always liked the dancers in the show and would often prance around like one of the "lullaby girls" she is now playing.

Zappa saw Victoria perform at a local dance competition and recommended her for a try-out with "The Wizard of Oz." Victoria had to fly to Los Angeles for the audition. Even at a young age, Victoria is already used to traveling. As an 8 year old, Victoria toured the country for 10 months playing Michael in "Peter Pan."

"It was really exciting (to travel)," Victoria said. "It was kind of rough on me but fun at the same time."

Considering her aspirations, Victoria will likely be doing even more traveling.

"It's always been my dream to be on TV," she said, with hopes of being the next Hannah Montana, which is not coincidentally her favorite show. She would love to be a professional singer, but she also has thoughts of being in musical theater or a kindergarten teacher.

"Of course, some of my dreams have already come true," Victoria said of being in "The Wizard of Oz."

"The Wizard of Oz" can still be seen every day (except Mondays) until Nov. 23.

Show time is 8 p.m. on weekdays, with two shows on Saturdays (2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) and Sundays (1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.).