THE WIZ Gets Extended At Playhouse On The Green, Added Dates 5/15-5/17

Due to popular demand, Playhouse on the Green, Bridgeport's not-for-profit community theater, has extended the run of its production of the Tony Award® winning musical THE WIZ for three additional performances: Friday, May 15 at 8PM; Saturday, May 16 at 8PM; and Sunday, May 17 at 3PM. The show, which opens Friday, April 24, already has had an overwhelming response at the box office. The 1975 contemporary re-telling of The Wizard of Oz has music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown, who, for this production only, granted permission for the story to be set in Bridgeport.

Producing Artistic Director, Matt Schicker, said of the extension: "We are so excited that the Greater Bridgeport area has embraced this production in such a big way. It is wonderful that a Bridgeport-themed version of this feel-good musical is bringing the community out to support the Playhouse."

A cast of more than 30 actors, singers, and dancers from the area portray the familiar characters of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Lion, the Wicked Witch of the West, and the rest in this version of L. Frank Baum's classic American tale featuring gospel, soul, and r&b styled music.

Matt Schicker, Producing Artistic Director for Playhouse on the Green, co-directs with Beth Fauerbach, who also choreographs. Eli Newsom and Christy McIntosh are Associate Producers; Kelly Martin is Musical Director; Edward Morris is Set Designer; Michael Jarett is Lighting Designer; David Withrow is Costume Designer; Jim DeVivo is Sound Designer; Natalie Inzero is Production Stage Manager.

The principal cast includes: 13-year-old Rajane' Katurah Brown of Bridgeport as Dorothy, LaWanda Black of Bridgeport as Glinda, Brian Michael Riley of Bridgeport as Lord High Underling, Kitty Robertson of Fairfield as Addaperle, Cameron Phillips of Fairfield as the Scarecrow, Kevin Thompson of Stamford as the Tin Man, Andrew Kepka of Bridgeport as the Lion, Sampson Denny of Bridgeport as The Wiz, and Jessica Ferraday of Milford as Evillene.

The Ensemble includes: Melissa Chambers of New Haven, Aaliyma Davis of Bridgeport, Toya Jean-Gilles of Bridgeport, Margaret Meghie of Bridgeport, Mavina Moore Jr. of Stamford, Jason Parry of Stratford, Jessica Rahrig of Shelton, Shantal Rhodes of Bridgeport, Gina LeVon Simpson of Bridgeport, Candice Sisbarro of Stratford, Bryna Washer of West Haven. The Youth Ensemble includes: Caitlin Brown of Fairfield, Colleen Brown of Fairfield, Jaelle Cassara of Weston, Matthew Nardozzi of Trumbull, Kayla Patrick of Milford, Emily Pisarra of Milford, Jessica Reynolds of Stratford, Juliana Rivera of Milford, Olivia Rivera of Milford, Kristina Rizzardi of Shelton, Jailyn Rogers of Bridgeport.

People's United Bank and the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District are co-sponsors of The Wiz.

Adult single tickets are $32. Senior Citizens tickets (65 and older) are $29. Tickets for those 21 years and younger are $18. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 on-line at www.playhouseonthegreen.org or by calling TheaterMania at (866) 811-4111 (phone hours 9-9 weekdays, 10-6 weekends).

Playhouse on the Green is located at 177 State Street between Main Street and Markle Court in downtown Bridgeport. Free, secure parking one block from the theater is available. For more information visit www.playhouseonthegreen.org or call 203-333-3666.

The Wiz
Book by William F. Brown
Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls

Performances Schedule:
Friday, April 24 at 8PM - Opening Night
Saturday, April 25 at 8PM
Sunday, April 26 at 3PM - special Q&A with William F. Brown, author of The Wiz, following performance
Friday, May 1 at 8PM
Saturday, May 2 at 8PM
Sunday, May 3 at 3PM
Friday, May 8 at 8PM
Saturday, May 9 at 3PM
Saturday, May 9 at 8PM
Sunday, May 10 at 3PM
ADDED PERFORMANCE: Friday, May 15 at 8PM
ADDED PERFORMANCE: Saturday, May 16 at 8PM
ADDED PERFORMANCE: Sunday, May 17 at 3PM

To post a comment, you must register and login.