Fiddlehead Theatre Presents THE WIZ, 2/13-22

Fiddlehead Theatre Company, the Resident Theatre Company of the historic Strand Theatre (543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA), will ease on down the road with the beloved rock musical The Wiz, directed and costumed by Fiddlehead's Associate Producing Artistic Director Stacey Stephens, from February 13-22, 2015. The Wiz is a modern re-telling of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum that sets Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz to music in a lively mixture of rock, gospel, and soul. Dorothy's trip wouldn't be complete without her brave and loyal dog "Toto" played by Dusty the Cairn Terrier, supplied by animal-trainer-to-the stars and Tony-honoree William Berloni. Berloni will provide a special post-show talk-back and book signing on Sunday, February 22nd, and audience members will have a chance to take their picture with Dusty. A portion of the proceeds from The Wiz will support the Sandy Fund (the Humane Society of New York) and MSPCA-Angell, Boston. Performance tickets for The Wiz are $25-$45 each, special discounts available for Seniors, Students and Dorchester residents. Discounts for groups of 15 or more. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 617-229-6494 or online at www.fiddleheadtheatre.com.

The Wiz is a perfectly magical journey for audiences of all ages. The Wiz is the second of three Tony-Award winning rock musicals presented by Fiddlehead Theatre Company in their 2014-2015 season that included Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA in October 2014, and the upcoming production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar (April 24-May 3, 2015).

"We are excited to bring this twist on a beloved classic to life in this rock-n-roll, soulful production at the Strand," said Fiddlehead Producing Artistic Director Meg Fofonoff. "The Wiz is the perfect embodiment of spirit and soul and fits perfectly with our mission at the Strand. We look forward to welcoming theater-goers of all ages to dive into the mysterious Land of Oz with Dorothy and her friends."

The Wiz, adapted from " The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. Book by William F. Brown. Music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The Wiz is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Special Event with William Berloni and "Toto", played by Dusty the Cairn terrier - Sunday, Feb. 22:

On Sunday, February 22nd Tony-honored Broadway dog trainer William Berloni will present a talk-back to audience members following the final performance of The Wiz, and will sign copies of his book BROADWAY TAILS. Berloni will also perform a "meet 'n greet" in the lobby with Dusty the Cairn Terrier, who will portray "Toto" in the show. Ticketed audience members are welcome to stay for the talk-back and meet 'n greet following the show.