Photo Flash: Phylicia Rashad, Andre De Shields & More Original Cast Members from THE WIZ Reunite in Central Park!
By: Tyler Peterson Aug. 13, 2015
Several original cast members from the iconic Broadway premiere production of THE WIZ convened last night in honor of the show's 40th anniversary in a series of special performances. Phylicia Rashad, Andre De Shields, Dee Dee Bridgewater and more will joined to celebrate the musical in Central Park and Marcus Garvey Park with a series of special outdoor celebrations featuring song, story and dance titled THE WIZ: A CELEBRATION IN DANCE & MUSIC. Check out photos below!
The cast also included Darlescia Cearcy as Dorothy, Nicole Elaine Phifer as Evilene, Regi Woods as Lion and Wallace Gary as Scarecrow.
The official description of THE WIZ: A CELEBRATION IN DANCE & MUSIC is as follows: "George Faison, internationally celebrated producer, writer, composer, director, choreographer and dancer, made history in 1975 when he became the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography for THE WIZ. In honor of the Broadway hit's 40th anniversary this year, Faison will present performances of original songs and dances from the show. Mr. Faison also heads the Faison Firehouse Theater in Central Harlem, which he founded in 2000 along with Tad Schnugg.The Firehouse is a technologically advanced theater where Mr. Faison develops digital applications for the performing arts as well as original theater pieces. The 130 seat theater, branded "Hollywood of Harlem" by the media, is a full service performing arts and cultural center with fine arts galleries, rehearsal facilities and a cabaret theater.
A number of members of the original Broadway cast will return for this celebratory run! Actress Phylicia Rashad, a munchkin and swing in the original production, will co-host the performance with George Faison. André De Shields will reprise his original role as the Wiz; Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tony Award winner for her role as Glinda will reprise this original role; and Ebony Jo-Ann, who played Addaperle in the Broadway revival of the production will reprise her role as well. Singer-songwriter Wallace Gary will join the cast as the Scarecrow. Damien L. Sneed will act as the musical director and conductor of The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music."
Photos by Lia Chang
Andre De Shields' original accessories from the Broadway production of THE WIZ
Postcards for THE WIZ IS 40
Phylicia Rashad co-emceed the night
Darlesia Cearcy as Dorothy and Ebony Jo-Ann as Addapearle
Darlesia Cearcy as Dorothy, Ebony Jo-Ann as Addapearle, and the Munchkins
Inaya Day as Dorothy and Reji Woods as The Lion
Phylicia Rashad and George Faison co-emceed THE WIZ IS 40 at Rumsey Playfield, Summerstage in New York on August 12, 2015.
André De Shields as The Wiz
John Manzari as The Tinman, Garry Q Lewis as The Scarecrow, Darlesia Cearcy as Dorothy and Reji Woods as The Lion
The ensemble of THE WIZ IS 40
Nicole Elaine Phifer as Evilene
Inaya Day as Dorothy
Andre De Shields displays his original costume from the Broadway production of THE WIZ backstage at THE WIZ IS 40.
Ebony Jo-Ann, André De Shields, Dee Dee Bridgewater and George Faison
Dee Dee Bridgewater and Ebony Jo-Ann
Andre De Shields and George Faison
Reji Woods and Andre De Shields
Andre De Shields
George Faison, dancer Carmen de Lavallade, Andre De Shields, opera singer Kathleen Battle and filmmaker Warrington Hudlin
Andre De Shields and filmmaker Warrington Hudlin
Andre De Shields and Carmen de Lavallade
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