Photo Flash: First Look at THE WIZ at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
By: BWW News Desk Jan. 14, 2015
Like The Wizard of Oz and Wicked? You'll love this spirited rock gospel and soul phenomenon based on the beloved classic tale! Join Dorothy in an adventure with her lovable friends as they journey to meet the Wizard in the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation The Wiz. This January, ease on down the road with the spirited rock gospel and soul musical based on the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, January 13 through February 1 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Featuring the hits "Ease on Down the Road," "Home" and "Believe in Yourself," this family-friendly stage phenomenon is the smash hit of the New Year. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Directed by the Theatre's producing artistic director, Andrew Kato, The Wiz will come alive with the exhilarating theatrical elements of full-stage projections, imaginative puppetry, aerial flying and evocative scenery to tell the story of Dorothy's quest to Oz. The most eagerly-awaited production of the year, The Wiz invites audiences to marvel at the spectacle of a stunning onstage tornado and enchanting illusions and movement, featuring choreography by Jennifer Werner and music direction by Eric Alsford. Costume designer Leon Dobkowski has designed original costumes that have been built specifically for this production. This Broadway hit is perfect for all ages.
With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown, The Wiz is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's timeless tale in the context of African-American culture. Featuring vivacious beats and an unforgettable musical score, the 1975 Broadway production swept that year's Tony Awards, winning prizes for Best Musical and Best Score, among others.
The roles of Glinda and Aunt Em will be played by Tony-nominated legendary actress Brenda Braxton, seen in NBC's musical drama "Smash" and on Broadway in Chicago, Smokey Joe's Café, Jelly's Last Jam, Dreamgirls, Cats and more. The roles of The Wiz and Uncle Henry will be played by veteran performer Kingsley Leggs, whose Broadway credits include Sister Act, The Color Purple and Miss Saigon. The Tinman will be portrayed by prominent actor Tyrick Wiltez Jones, known for his roles on Broadway in the recent revival of Finian's Rainbowand Hairspray. The production will star New York-based actress Destinee Rea as Dorothy.
Tickets for The Wiz start at $54. Tickets are now on sale for all of the shows in the Theatre's 2014/15 season, including Glengarry Glen Rossand Les Miserables. For tickets and additional information, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org. For more information on bringing your group to the Theatre, contact group concierge Shannon Murphy at (561) 972-6117.
Photo Credit: Jen Vasbinder
David LaMarr, Destinee Rea and Tyrick Wiltez Jones
Trevor Dion Nicholas, David LaMarr, Destinee Rea and Tyrick Wiltez Jones
Badia Farha, center, as Addaperle, and Destinee Rea, as Dorothy
Destinee Rea, as Dorothy, and Trevor Dion Nicholas, as the Lion
The four friends, right, encounter the gatekeeper on the way into Oz. Pictured: Alexander Goodwin-Elam, Destinee Rea, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, David LaMarr and Trevor Dion Nicholas.
Badia Farha, center, as Addaperle, and Destinee Rea, as Dorothy, surrounded by Munchkins (puppets controlled and voiced by members of the cast).
Trevor Dion Nicholas, David LaMarr, Destinee Rea and Tyrick Wiltez Jones (below). Above them is the Wiz, portrayed by Kingsley Leggs.
The Lion (Trevor Dion Nicholas, center) is surrounded by Poppies in the poppy fields (Talya Groves, J Nycole Ralph, Allysa Shorte and Oyoyo Joi)
The four friends (From left, below: Destinee Rea, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, David LaMarr and Trevor Dion Nicholas) meet the Wiz (Kingsley Leggs, above)
The Scarecrow (David LaMarr, center) is surrounded by crows (puppets controlled and voiced by members of the cast)
The Munchkins (puppets controlled and voiced by members of the cast) dance
The Scarecrow (David LaMarr, left) and Dorothy (Destinee Rea, right) skip down the yellow brick road
The four friends (From left: David LaMarr, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Destinee Rea and Tyrick Wiltez Jones) surround the Wiz (Kingsley Leggs, center)
A mouse (puppet operated by Austin Carroll) addresses the Tinman (Tyrick Wiltez Jones), Dorothy (Destinee Rea) and the Scarecrow (David LaMarr) outside the gates of Oz
The Lion (Trevor Dion Nicholas, center) attacks when he first encounters the Scarecrow (David LaMarr), Dorothy (Destinee Rea) and the Tinman (Tyrick Wiltez Jones)
Citizens of Oz dance
Dorothy (Destinee Rea), left, watches as the Scarecrow (David LaMarr, center) sings and dances with crows (puppets controlled and voiced by members of the cast)
The Tinman (Tyrick Wiltez Jones), the Lion (Trevor Dion Nicholas), the Scarecrow (David LaMarr) and Dorothy (Destinee Rea) make their way through the forest
Dorothy (Destinee Rea) and Aunt Em (Brenda Braxton) in the 'calm before the storm' of Kansas
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