Maltz Jupiter Theatre's THE WIZ Begins Next Month

Join Dorothy in an adventure with her lovable friends as they journey to meet the Wizard in the Tony Award®-winning Broadway sensation The Wiz!

This January, ease on down the road with the spirited rock gospel and soul musical based on the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, January 13 through February 1 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Featuring the hits "Ease on Down the Road," "Home" and "Believe in Yourself," this family-friendly stage phenomenon is the smash hit of the New Year!

Directed by the Theatre's producing artistic director, Andrew Kato, The Wiz will come alive with the exhilarating theatrical elements of full-stage projections, imaginative puppetry, aerial flying and evocative scenery to tell the story of Dorothy's quest to Oz. The most eagerly-awaited production of the year, The Wiz invites audiences to marvel at the spectacle of a stunning onstage tornado and enchanting illusions and movement. Costume designer Leon Dobkowski has designed original costumes that have been built specifically for this production. This Broadway hit is perfect for all ages.

"This soul-infused Blockbuster will take you on a journey you won't soon forget," Kato said. "This iconic and universal story will take us back to a time when we believed there was something special at the end of the rainbow, where monkeys could fly, and where good witches used their magic power to get us home. The Wiz has all the staging sorcery to take you to there."

With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown, The Wiz is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's timeless tale in the context of African-American culture. Featuring vivacious beats and an unforgettable musical score, the 1975 Broadway production swept that year's Tony Awards®, winning prizes for Best Musical and Best Score, among others.

The roles of Glinda and Aunt Em will be played by Tony®-nominated legendary actress Brenda Braxton, seen in NBC's musical drama "Smash" and on Broadway in Chicago, Smokey Joe's Café, Jelly's Last Jam, Dreamgirls, Cats and more. The roles of The Wiz and Uncle Henry will be played by veteran performer Kingsley Leggs, whose Broadway credits include Sister Act, The Color Purple and Miss Saigon. The Tinman will be portrayed by prominent actor Tyrick Wiltez Jones, known for his roles on Broadway in the recent revival of Finian's Rainbow and Hairspray. The production will star New York-based actress Destinee Rae as Dorothy.

Photo by Alicia Donelan