The Wicked Witch of the West entered the stage to the music of Bach and hovered over a bubbling cauldron.
More than 300 Sudduth Elementary School kindergarten students looked on in awe at the recent Halloween presentation by the Mississippi State student chapter of the American Chemical Society.
Titled "The Wizard of Oz in Chemistry Land," the costumed performance featured scientific special effects created by seven society members.
"It's our way of introducing kids to science in a way that's fun for them," said William P. Henry, chapter adviser and special effects supervisor.
Principal Debbie Davis said the program is a seasonal treat her students have come to love.
"Dr. Henry has done presentations here before and we know how exciting our kids find them," she said.
The Halloween theme came complete with eerie music created by music education professor Jackie Edwards-Henry on her keyboard.
During the play, the witch tries to capture the unsuspecting Dorothy by creating a slimy concoction. She calls on the Mad Scientist to help. A soldier, "Batman," a magician, and a clown also get in on the action, allowing students to see experiments in making slime, firing a methanol cannon and releasing helium-filled balloons, among other effects.
The Mississippi State student cast included Stephen Jenkins of Bush, La., Keri Kleypas of Guin, Ala., Justin Lee and Katherine Taconi, both of Biloxi, Clark Lewis of Enterprise, Ala., Joanna Meadows of Madison, and Danielle Morrow of Mobile, Ala.
Jenkins portrayed "Batman"; Kleypas, the clown; Taconi, the magician; Lewis, the "Mad Scientist"; Meadows, "Dorothy"; and Morrow, the witch. Lee served as the narrator.