Performance & Cocktails Evening Includes Seeing The Wiz

Members of Performance & Cocktails, a young professionals group designed for those seeking a retreat from the usual night out, will be able to see The Wiz at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse for a discount price.

"For $34 - half off a regularly priced theatre ticket! - young patrons (21 and up) can enjoy an all-inclusive night of drinks, gourmet eats and admission to a world-class musical. The group will begin the night at luxurious hotspot Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. They'll mingle, network and relax, then see the highly-anticipated musical spectacular The Wiz at the Tony-winning La Jolla Playhouse. Post-show, beer will be provided by Karl Strauss.  This event has a value of over $100," according to La Jolla notes.

"Based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, with a book by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, director Des McAnuff's Wiz is a major re-envisioning for the 21st century. When The Wizard of Oz met the urban beat of the 1970s, history was made to the tune of seven Tony Awards . Now the young Dorothy travels to the strange and spectacular Land of Oz once again as McAnuff teams up with original Wiz orchestrator Harold Wheeler to create a re-imagined, multi-cultural musical phenomenon for a new century."

McAnuff, fresh off a Best Musical Tony win for the Four Seasons musical Jersey Boys, will, along with set designer Robert Brill, employ theories of "environmental design." "The audience will enter into a place that is part theatre, part musical and even part rock concert, becoming a part of a dynamic setting that puts the performers and the music at the forefront of this heightened theatrical experience."  The show stars "In Living Color" vet David Alan Grier (...Forum) as The Wiz and Broadway regulars Nikki M. James (All Shook Up) as Dorothy, Tituss Burgess (Jersey Boys) as Lion, Michael Benjamin Washington (Mamma Mia!) as Tin Man and Rashad Naylor (Hairspray) as Scarecrow.

"Named one of the "World's Hottest New Hotels for 2005/06" by Condé Nast Traveler, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a different kind of hotel experience: it's an inspired La Jolla destination comprised of a luxury hotel, a world-class spa and an unparalleled restaurant experience. A California-rancho style setting in an idyllic coastal town, Estancia La Jolla exists in harmony with nature, inviting guests to experience a heightened sense of well-being amidst an eclectic blend of tradition, contemporary comforts and modern-day sophistication."

The event, taking place on Saturday, September 30, begins at 5:30pm with a pre-party at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, including hors d'oeuvres and drinks; at 8pm is a performance of The Wiz at La Jolla Playhouse; post-show drinks and mingling will take place on the VIP deck of the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

Tickets are available online at www.lajollaplayhouse.com/pandc or by contacting Jill McIntyre at 858.228.3092 or jmcintyre@ljp.org.