BWW Reviews: Ease on Down to Center Stage for THE WIZ

When I first heard that Center Stage would open its season with the hit musical The Wiz, all I could picture was the sign at the box office "This Performance is Sold Out".  And if you were thinking of seeing this wonderful production, you should not wait any longer. This should surpass every Center Stage box office record.

And why? You take a terrific group of actors, add some terrific music, a story that is known by everyone, add a dose of clever choreography and the talented dancers to implement the moves, a superb orchestration for a small but talented pit band, imaginative and colorful costumes, effective lighting, superb sound, and at the helm an experienced individual who has blossomed into directing  musicals.

I remember in 1974 attending the World Premiere of The Wiz at Baltimore's Morris Mechanic Theater. Everyone knew this would be a hit on Broadway. And it was.

One has to congratulate the decision to produce this hit musical. 

The casting director Janet Foster deserves a hand for corralling quite an ensemble of actors. And strictly by coincidence, there are four actors who hail from Maryland. There's Kristin Dowtin, who is no stranger to Broadway, having appeared as Young Nala in The Lion King and has the coveted role of Dorothy.  Baltimorean LaTrisa Harper, a member of the incredible ensemble, graduated from Towson University and appeared in the Broadway casts of The Color Purple and The Lion King and danced with the junior company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. (Remember when I said there were great dancers?)

The two men who hail from Maryland are Jonathan Burke who attended the Baltimore School for the Arts. Read my article about Jonathan elsewhere on this site when he performed with the touring cast of Cats at the Hippodrome. And then there's Eric B. Anthony who attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology and appeared three times on Broadway including The Lion King and the original casts of Hairspray and Mary Poppins. (Look for my interview with Eric appearing next week).  Eric is living out his dream playing the "Scarecrow" and has so many moves, well you've got to see it to believe it.

There are two women stand-out performances. Angela Robinson as Aunt Em and Glinda and Gwen Stewart as Addaperle and Evillene. It is worth the price of admission just to watch these magnificent actresses.

Wayne W. Pretlow and Mel Johnson, Jr. are terrific as the "Lion" and the "Tin Man" respectively. And Kingsley Leggs as Uncle Henry and most importantly as the title character is a consummate performer. You will always remember his "Wiz".

Rounding out the talented ensemble are Tym Byerz, Manoly Farrell, Daisy Hobbs, Alison Mixon, MaShawn Morton, and Alfie Parker, Jr.

Willie Rosario is responsible for the some of the finest dancing I've ever seen at Center Stage.

Special mention must be made about the music. Eric Svejcar as Music Director and Orchestrator has taken the charts for a 23 piece Broadway orchestra and has done magic with just two guitars, a drum, keyboards and reeds.

Candice Donnelly's costumes are eye-catching and colorful, and there's great lighting by Rui Rita. Thank you to Sound Designer David Budries who is responsible for allowing the great voices to be heard

The Wiz runs through Nov. 7. Get your tickets while they are still available. You'll be a part of history.

And don't forget the Center Stage Cabaret Series features the incredible Euan Morton Oct. 14-17.

For tickets to both events, call 410-332-0033 or visit www.centerstage.org.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

Photo Credit: Charles Shubow

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