THE WIZ

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER: MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

                     Cha'rel J'iCole as Evillene 

                  (photo credit: RDG Photography)

 

With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown, “The Wiz is a musical based upon the L. Frank Baum children’s book, “The Wizard of Oz."

In 1975 “The Wiz” received seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. 

When I saw the tour of the stage version of THE WIZ in the early 80s at The Auditorium Theatre, I was so enchanted I couldn’t wait to buy a ticket for the next evening. Unfortunately, the show was sold out for the duration.

     The dynamic and energizing direction and choreography of Christopher Page Sanders makes Town Hall Arts’ production outstanding! Sanders has cast actors who can sing and dance up a storm…so to speak. (The dancing of the tornado near the top of the show is exhilarating!)

The Tony award-winning music is a mixture of gospel, R&B, and Broadway that is uplifting and truly exhilarating! 

Dorothy is sung with great heart by Thurzday. Daevon Robinson is sensational as the lion. Angel Miguel Garcia is a wonderfully limber scarecrow. Simeon Wallace, a superbly well-sung Tin Man, gives us a superb rendition of “Slide Some Oil to Me.” 

     Cha’rel  Ji’Cole sends us right up through the rafters at the top of Act Two with her powerful singing of Evillene’s “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News!”

     Shakira D. Abney-Wisdom is hilarious in the role of Addaperle.

     Thanks to Alex Burse’s music direction, the company’s “Everybody Rejoice/Brand New Day” sends us into musical theatre heaven. Burse is also responsible for conducting the great just offstage orchestra!

 

For tickets call the box office at 303-794-2787, Ext 5 or go online at boxoffice@townhallartscenter.org