The Wiz - November 15, 2002

A note from the director....... When we began searching for a musical this year, we tried to find a show that would really challenge our young performers, with a fun, up-beat musical score and a lot of dancing. "The Wiz" filled the bill. "The Wizard of Oz" is one of the best-loved stories of the twentieth century, with several movie versions made and at least a dozen stage plays- both straight and musicals. This show presented some unique challenges for our cast. The musicality of the songs ranges from jazz to funk to gospel to ballad offering a full gamut of styles. And, due to the fact that the Land of Oz is populated with a strange variety of Citizens, our chorus members have had the challenge of becoming several different characters each throughout the show (some play as many as five different characters!). "The Wiz" gave our creative staff some of the most interesting challenges to date. The set and costume staff have been busy building and creating since September to meet these challenges. How do you go about melting a wicked witch? How do you make grown people into munchkins? I hope you enjoy the way we've answered these questions. So, sit back, relax and let's enjoy a few hours of peace together. Let our cast take you on a journey through the Land of Oz where everyone discovers that they already have what they're seeking and that there really is "no place like home" Laugh and have fun, Pam Bryan THE WIZ Cast of Characters in order of appearance Aunt Em Cheri Hood Dorothy Lisa Del Vecchio Toto "Muppilena" Cerino Uncle Henry Dr. Bos Addaperle Kaylee Millerd Scarecrow Stephanie Steen Tinman Jeff Sutliffe Lion Jeffrey Sears GateKeeper Matthew Crance The Wiz Ryan Fowler Evillene Teresa Cerino Lord High Underling Josh Mansman Soldier Messenger Jamie Teeter Head Winged Monkey Dan Batz Glinda Melanie Bacon