THE WIZ Soars Into the 4th Slot at MSMT

Once again, Maine State Music Theatre breaks new ground in Northern New England with a show that is rarely produced on a professional theatre stage and never before presented to an MSMT audience. The 2011 season ends with a bang, featuring an all-African American cast revving up theatregoers in THE WIZ, the retelling of Frank L. Baum's THE WIZARD OF OZ in a unique 70s style.

The show runs from August 10-27.

MSMT mainstay, Donna Drake (AIDA, HAIRSPRAY, ALL SHOOK UP, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, CHICAGO), directs the show, while Choreographer, Mark Stuart, returns to Brunswick where he made a big splash as performer and choreographer of SWING! (2005). 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.

The concept of an all-African American musical was the brainchild of Ken Harper, a New York City disc jockey in the 70s, who envisioned creating a series of classic musicals interpreted for current audiences and broadcast on television. While not embraced by the networks, Broadway took notice. Harper recruited a virtually unknown writer, William F. Brown, and composer, Charlie Smalls, who injected the classic story of Dorothy and the Land of Oz with a flavor yet unseen by Broadway audiences.

The themes of good and evil are maintained as in the original story, but the concept that that claims center stage is the black urban experience. It is delivered in vibrant colors and through songs combining rock, gospel and soul. A universal story transformed, it now speaks to a modern-day, multicultural audience.

The stage production, which debuted on Broadway in 1975, won immediate acclaim and garnered seven Tony Awards, including the most prestigious, Best Musical. It was made into a movie in 1978, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, and attracted vast new audiences through that popular medium.

THE WIZ is a heartfelt, joyful celebration of the beloved story with a funky score that makes audiences dance in their seats. As a spoof of the original, THE WIZ, nevertheless, tells a universal story about reaching for the stars. It reminds us that though at times we feel powerless to accomplish our dreams, the truth is that we all share the same journey and all have the capacity to finish the on a "high note," if we just believe in ourselves.

Ms. Drake has directed several recent musicals at MSMT. With each production, she has taken her experience as an original Broadway cast member of A CHORUS LINE and given equal weight to the music and the dance, as well as put an exclamation mark on the dramatic quality and message of the story, even in lighthearted shows such as HAIRSPRAY.

Choreographer Mark Stuart says of his role, "I'm all for choreographing shows that can change the world through their message, but for those of you who know me or have seen the other shows I've worked on at MSMT (SWING!, GRAND HOTEL, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR), you know I like to do it with some sizzle and spice. THE WIZ might just change your life, but it also has some serious funk that is about to take Maine State by storm. Git' ready, Brunswick!"

Jive, Hip Hop and Funk with Maine State Music Theatre as you "Ease On Down The Road" celebrating "A Brand New Day," until you reach "Home." "If You Believe," you can "Be A Lion" and have "The Feeling We Once Had." Don't miss this magical celebration of a classic story! And Toto too!

Unique to the MSMT production of THE WIZ is the exclusive use of the original logo (see attached), created by the
created by the famed graphic designer, Milton Glaser, who has influenced the design community for the past 60 years. Among his many famous works, he designed the "I Love New York" logo.

NYC auditions will take place in March with several stars in the mix. MSMT is also in contact with a well-known pop singer, who just might take it over the top.

THE WIZ runs from August 10-27 at historic Pickard Theater on the beautiful Bowdoin College campus. Season ticket prices range from $112-$192 and single ticket prices go from $33-$56.

To purchase season tickets for Summer 2011, please go to www.msmt.org, call (207) 725-8769, or visit the box office conveniently located inside our administrative offices at 14 Elm Street in Brunswick, Maine. Single tickets for THE WIZ go on sale beginning May 4.
Season sponsor is The Highlands/Highland Green.

 

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