Maine State Music Theatre Closes 2011 Season With THE WIZ 8/10-27

Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) closes it's season with the Tony Award-winning musical, THE WIZ, playing August 10 - August 27 at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick. THE WIZ brings a mix of soul, rock and gospel music to Brunswick and a twist on L. Frank Baum's iconic story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." MSMT alumni Donna Drake directs this production, with choreography by Mark Stuart, and starring multiple Broadway veterans: Gwen Stewart, LaQuet Sharnell, Eric B. Anthony, E. Clayton Cornelious, Nikkeili DeMone, Bobby Daye and Gayle Turner.

In THE WIZ, as in Baum's famous story, Dorothy, the little girl from Kansas, is blown by a tornado into the Land of Oz where she meets the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Lion, defeats the evil witch, and goes to see the powerful Wizard. MSMT presents THE WIZ as it was originally intended, with an all African American cast. THE WIZ is a universal story transformed into a multicultural experience, and an exciting show for all audiences. The themes of finding yourself and finding your way home are the powerful lessons learned from the story.

The winner of seven Tony Awards for it's 1975 Broadway opening, THE WIZ includes songs "Home," "Ease on Down the Road," "Believe in Yourself," and "Brand New Day." The musical was made into a movie in 1978, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, and attracted vast new audiences through that popular medium. The show also had a touring revival in 1984.

MSMT alumni director, Donna Drake (previous director of AIDA, HAIRSPRAY, ALL SHOOK UP, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and CHICAGO), directs this season closer, while choreographer Mark Stuart (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, GRAND HOTEL, SWING! and CATS) returns to Brunswick with his innovative and very athletic style of dance. Together, the duo promises to create a fresh new production with all the excitement, splash, and euphoria that audiences have come to expect of an MSMT high-spirited musical. Drake's productions are known to give equal weight to the music and dance, as well as giving the heart of the story a prominent place on the stage.

Gwen Stewart has a voice most Broadway fans have heard again and again. She was a member of the original Broadway cast of one of the most successful musicals of all time: RENT. Stewart's role as the "Seasons of Love" soloist made her a household name to followers of the show. She's also performed in such other recognizable Broadway titles as BIG RIVER and AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'. Stewart has been seen on television in popular shows like "House," "24," "Law & Order," and "Charmed." Having performed at the Library of Congress, on "The Tonight Show," and "Good Morning America," Stewart makes her MSMT debut, in a creative approach to casting this musical, by portraying both Evillene (the "Wicked Witch") and Addaperle (one of the "Good Witches").

LaQuet Sharnell plays the iconic Dorothy who travels through the magical Land of Oz with her little dog, Toto, and her new friends, The Scarecrow, The Tinman and The Lion. Originally from Texas, Sharnell's professional career began after her first year of college at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Her Broadway credits include the smash hit musicals MEMPHIS, THE LION KING and SWEET CHARITY. Sharnell is also an award-winning dancer who teaches voice, dance and acting. This is her first time performing with Maine State Music Theatre.
Eric B. Anthony is no stranger to MSMT audiences. He was a stand out as Seaweed in MSMT's 2007 production of HARISPRAY, which is no surprise to Broadway insiders who know him as a member of the original Broadway cast. Anthony was also a member of the original Broadway company of MARY POPPINS, and performed in THE LION KING. Anthony returns to MSMT as The Scarecrow in THE WIZ.
E. Clayton Cornelious who portrays the Tinman in MSMT's THE WIZ, has been seen on Broadway in such hit musicals as SCOTTSBORO BOYS, A CHORUS LINE, THE MUSIC MAN and THE LION KING. He's also been seen on "One Live to Live" and a national commercial for Chevrolet. THE WIZ is Cornelious' MSMT debut.
Nikkieli DeMone travels to Brunswick for his MSMT debut as Dorothy's third companion, The Lion. DeMone's theatre credits include MISS SAIGON, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. DeMone has been featured in television commercials and voiceover work for national brands like McDonalds, Verizon and Sprite.
Bobby Daye's career has crossed into stage, film, TV and radio. His stage credits will now include portraying the title character, The Wiz, in MSMT's production. Previously Daye's Broadway career has seen roles in SHREK THE MUSICAL, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE LION KING and DREAMGIRLS, among others. Daye has appeared on television in episodes of "Law & Order" and "Ed," and is a nine-time "Star Search" champion as male vocalist. Daye also penned the theme song for the ABC soap opera, "Loving" that was performed by Johnny Mathis.

It could be said that Gayle Turner is coming "Home." That's not because she's from Brunswick or because she's ever performed at Maine State Music Theatre before, but because she performed as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of THE WIZ in 1975 (after understudying for Stephanie Mills), and she returns to this iconic musical about courage, brains, heart and home as Aunt Em and Glinda. Turner's other theatre credits include productions of LANGSTON IN HARLEM, THE STRANGE CASE OF Mary Lincoln, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Turner has also appeared on episodes of the television series "Law & Order." MSMT is pleased to have her as part of a stellar cast for the 2011 season closer.
Maine State Music Theatre is excited to present this amazing, multi-cultural piece of American musical theatre. It's a well-known title that isn't often produced in regional theatres, so it offers audiences in Brunswick an exciting opportunity. With such an amazing cast, it is expected to be one of the highlights of the summer theatre season.

Maine State Music Theatre's production of THE WIZ is sponsored by Bath Savings Institution, Wright Express and Norton Insurance & Financial. MSMT's entire 2011 season is sponsored by The Highlands and Highland Green.

Tickets to see THE WIZ are on sale now. Interested parties can contact the MSMT box office at (207) 725-8769, visit the box office window in person at The Pickard Theater or purchase online at www.msmt.org. THE WIZ previews on August 10 and runs through August 27. Matinees are at 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. For specific dates and availability, please contact the box office or visit the website. The Pickard Theater is located at 1 Bath Road in Brunswick, on the campus of Bowdoin College.

MSMT has other August events to offer! Award-winning artist, Euan Morton, performs a concert event on August 15th at 7:30 p.m., and another children's musical is planned for August 22nd, a new interpretation of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST written by MSMT alumni Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark.