LEBANON - Sound carries strangely in the auditorium of Lebanon High School. The orchestra pit routinely drowns out the singers, and no one ever has enough microphones.

Music and drama teachers Kevin Wong and Debbie Edwards, with fellow district teacher Terri Krebs and volunteer Patty Crenshaw, believe it's time for a full-scale sound system. But that costs money: $10,000 at bare minimum, they figure, and preferably up to $50,000.

Their solution: "Hey, kids, let's put on a show."

The four are combining efforts to produce "Into the Woods," Lebanon's first all-ages community musical, which will hit the boards Aug. 6-8 at the high school.

Audition CDs are available now at Lebanon High School or by calling Wong at (541) 451-8555, ext. 1077; Krebs at (541) 259-1640, or Tori Harvey, (541) 401-5733. The show calls for 14 "very good singers," as the music is difficult, Krebs said. Adults, alumni, students and others are welcome.

Another 10-12 musicians are needed for the orchestra pit, and plenty more help will be required for costuming, set design and construction and general backstage work.

"Any help is appreciated," Krebs said.

A Tony award-winning musical made into a TV movie in 1991 featuring Bernadette Peters, "Into the Woods" is a combination of several fairy tales whose characters come to learn they have to make their own "happily ever after."

As Krebs put it, "Sometimes you're in the woods and sometimes you're out of the woods. Life has its bumps, but life is what you make of it.

"It's really cute," she added. "It's a pretty difficult music, but we have some talented people in our community."

So many talented people, Krebs said, that the idea is to make a community musical an annual summertime event. When the high school's sound system is covered, proceeds will go to other needs at the high school, or perhaps to a local nonprofit.

"I really, truly think our little community has so many talented people that it really won't be that hard of a deal to do," Krebs said.