THE WIZ Arrives In Baltimore 9/29-11/7

The cast has been selected, the designers are prepping, the shops are buzzing, and rehearsals start this week for The Wiz! This highly anticipated production of a beloved Broadway original will feature some familiar faces, recognizable voices, and several local talents-all under the direction of Artistic Director Irene Lewis, working with musical director Eric Svejcar, and choreographer Willie Rosario.

Follow Dorothy and her friends as they ease on down the Yellow Brick Road, match wits with the Wiz, confront Evillene and her menacing monkeys, and awaken Oz to a brand new day. This funky musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved classic explodes onstage September 29 through November 7, 2010.

Returning to CENTERSTAGE as The Wiz/Uncle Henry and Glinda/Auntie Em, respectively, are Kingsley Leggs and Angela Robinson, who were a hit in the 2005 production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. Both have since performed nationally and on Broadway, including in The Color Purple, for which Leggs was the original Mister and Robinson took over the role of Shug. Also returning to CENTERSTAGE, as the Lion, is Wayne W. Pretlow, previously seen as The Beadle in Sweeney Todd.

Filling the imposing role of the evil Evilene (as well as the not-so-evil Addaperle) is Broadway veteran Gwen Stewart, whose voice moved millions as the Seasons of Love soloist in the original cast of Rent. Frequent Broadway performer Mel Johnson, Jr.-who has appeared in Hot Feet, The Lion King, Eubie!, among others-will play the Tin Man.

Several local performers will be featured in CENTERSTAGE's production, including White Plains resident Kristen Dowtin leading the adventures as Dorothy, Baltimorean Eric B. Anthony as the Scarecrow, and Baltimore School for the Arts alum Jonathan Burke.

Dowtin's other credits include a turn on Broadway in The Lion King. Anthony's Broadway appearances include Mary Poppins, Hairspray, and The Lion King. Jonathan Burke will appear in the production's ensemble, along with Tym Byerz, Manoly Farrell, LaTrisa A. Harper, Daisy Hobbs, Alison Mixon, Mashawn Morton, and Alfie Parker.

The Wiz begins preview performances on Wednesday, September 29; celebrates Opening Night on Wednesday, October 6; and runs through Sunday, November 7. Tickets are now on sale through the Box Office, 410.332.0033, or online at www.centerstage.org. The Wiz is presented in partnership with Bank of America and Constellation Energy, with

additional funding from KPMG and The William L. & Victorine Q. Adams Foundation and The Rodgers Family Fund. The media sponsor is Maryland Public Television.

Limited Family Packs and half-price student tickets are still available. The Friday Night Live Young Professionals nights-which features a three-course prix fixe dinner and the show for only $25-are October 1 and 8.

Since 1963, CENTERSTAGE has been committed to producing and developing an eclectic repertory of challenging, bold, and thought-provoking work, representing a varied array of theatrical styles and forms, in collaboration with leading artists. Each year, a consistently broad range of productions in two intimate performing spaces attracts highly diverse audiences of more than 100,000 people-including thousands of fiercely loyal subscriber members, many of whom have been with the theater during its entire history. Additionally, CENTERSTAGE offers a variety of dramaturgical, community, and educational programs to broaden access and enhance the theatergoing experience, earning its honorary designation as the official State Theater of Maryland.

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