COURTESY PALIKU THEATRE
Memorable music, dazzling dancing and a message about the power of perseverance — all make it worth your while to watch “The Wiz.”
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Memorable music, dazzling dancing and a message about the power of perseverance — all make it worth your while to watch “The Wiz.”
I’m a Bright Kid Foundation’s production of the soul musical, running throughout September at Paliku Theatre, is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in the context of modern African-American culture.
“‘The Wiz’ is a super soulful version of an age-old story, with an upbeat groove and tons of fun sprinkled throughout,” said Bailey Barnes, who plays Dorothy in the production. “It’s a perfect family show that promotes believing in yourself and your dreams.”
“THE WIZ”
Presented by the I’m a Bright Kid Foundation
>> Where: Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College
>> When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; also 4 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 30
>> Cost: $19 to $39 (not recommended for children under 4)
>> Info: 235-7315, imabrightkid.org/tickets
The 1975 Broadway production of “The Wiz” earned seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show was released in 1978 as a big-budget film with Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.
“The music is definitely among the highlights of ‘The Wiz’ — brought to life by soaring voices, Marcelo Pacleb’s electrifying choreography and an orchestra that’s second to none,” said Ligaya Stice, executive director of I’m a Bright Kid Foundation.
Stice also praised the design team, which created costumes, sets and special effects to help transport audiences to the land of Oz.
“When all of these elements come together in ‘Everybody Rejoice’ — the song that celebrates the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West — the vision of director Mary Hicks is fully realized,” Stice said.