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Many of the cast members
pause for a group photo during a recent rehearsal
Casting has been completed
and rehearsals are underway for Delta Center Stage's annual summer
youth musical. During auditions, over 90 young people from age 5
to 26 were read, and everyone who attended auditions was assigned
a role. Below is the copy from an article published in the Delta
Democrat-Times and Life in the Delta.
No matter your age or creed, everyone is familiar with Dorothy's
trip to Oz.
We all remember the Wicked Witch of the West and the comedic trio
of the lion, the scarecrow and the tinman. But what many may not
recall, from reading L. Fank Baums classic tale is a soulful musical
score or a dancing yellow brick road. All of these things and more,
can be seen when Delta
Center Stage presents its summer youth musical, "The Wiz."
Based on Baum's "The Wizard of Oz," the play updates the
classic tale without taking away from the original story. "'The
Wiz' is one of the best examples in musical theatre of how a classic
tale can be played with and updated without diluting the original
story's charm," says production director Sonya Bixler. "In
many ways The Wiz is more of a soulful salute to the original Wizard
of Oz story than an update."
The original Broadway production of The Wiz opened at the Majestic
Theatre on January 5, 1975 with a cast that featured Stephanie Mills
as Dorothy. The musical enjoyed a run of 1,672 performances and
went on to win 7 Tony Awards including "Best Musical"
and "Best Score."
The 1978 film version, which is the version that the public knows
best under this title, featured Diana
Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Horne and
Richard Pryor. The film, however, was extensively rewritten and
became more a star vehicle for Ross and Jackson. Little of the original
stage production's charm and energy transferred to the silver screen.
"We are excited about the range of local talent and the diversity
of the cast, both in age, background and experience," says
Bixler. "Our summer program at DCS is all about inclusion and
opportunity for local young people to experience theatre. The turnout
for auditions was overwhelming, but we found a way to give every
young person who wanted to be a part of this a role to play."
Principal Roles
The production is led by Zina Kelly as Dorothy, who finds herself
in Oz after a tornado hits the family farm in Kansas. Oz is home
to a tin man in search of a heart (Jeremy Fyke), a scarecrow seeking
a brain (Darryl Thompson) and a lion (Quinnon Tayler) seeking more
than his therapist can offer: courage. The title character (The
Wiz) will be portrayed by Chris Adams, and the triumvirate of whacky
witches, Addaperle, Glinda and Evilene will feature Shambrica Johnson,
LaTravia Valentine, and Phalia McCorkle. Aunt Em and Uncle Henry
will be played by Courtney Smith and Brian Shelby.
Munchkins
Of course, there cannot be an Oz without Munchkins, and the Delta
Center Stage production includes over 30. A featured group of singing
munchkins will include Macey Arrington, Lauran Cooper, Courtney
DiBiase, Annie Hawks, Deshundria Johnson, Letrekius Jones, Conor
Kent, Lamia Lattimore, Kayla Lyles, Anna Trantham and Kieran Wardale.
Other Munchkins will be
played by Bethany Washington, Connate Williams, Jade Mixon, Jenascia
Hollins, Nicholas McKinney, Lydia Tice, Jodi Henley, B'Ariel Stewart,
Brandi Stewart, Ebonee Holmes, Joanna Richards, Destin Roncali,
Kelsi Mixon, Kyla Washington, Vince Taylor, Shurn Washington
Jr., Michael Sewell, Thomas Sewell, Anthony DiBiase, Carlee Holmes,
Javan Johnson, Jeremiah Chatman, Kervin Smith, Jenarius Hollins,
Shereff Richardson, and Ariyana Cotton.
Other Cast Members
Other chorus members will be featured in several different ensembles
and groups such as Kalidahs,
Tornadoes, a dancing Yellow Brick Road, Winged Monkeys, Winkies,
Poppies, Crows, and Emerald City Citizens. They are Lara Ault, Larry
Banks, Natashia Bates, Rajhkeem Beck, Talitha Burks, Abria Chante
Butler, Heather Christian, David Cunningham, Jeronika Daniels, Zandalee
Dargavel, Jamie Dotson, Derek Elrod, LaQuenta Fleming, Rhett Hobart,
Bobbie Hollins, Cheri
Holmes, Jitoria Jones, Darius Jones, Justin Kelly, Anne Franklin
Lamar, Jessica Landry, K'Vandrick Laney, Samdrick Laney, Brittany
Lucas, Whittney Lucas, Catherine Martyn, Erin McKinney, Emily Melton,
Jimmy Pearson, Lelane Ray, Joseph Richards, Tyeisha Roberson, Lindsey
Roy, Tarnisha Sanders, Allie Sayle, Katherine Shamoon, Laquinta
Smith, Quinceimgram Smith, Amber Smith, Sabra Smith, Quinita Stewart,
Jasmine Warren, Harry Williams, and Leroy Williams.
The production is set to run July 22-25. For more information contact
Tim Bixler at 820 5489 or call the information line at 378-9849
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