Photo Flash: First Look at THE WIZ At Broward Stage Door Theatre

Stage Door Theatre's third production in their new home is an exuberant journey down the yellow brick road! Based the L. Frank Baum's classic "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", The Wiz is a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music, and told in the context of African American Culture. The family friendly musical will open at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) on December 7th and run through December 31st.

The winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and Five Drama Desk Awards, The Wiz retells Baum's tale of Dorothy, who is transported by a tornado to a world of Munchkins, witches, and magic. On her way to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, who she believes can help her get back to Kansas, she encounters the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion - friends who help her battle the Wicked Witch of the West - and eventually learn that there really is 'no place like home'.

The Wiz will be directed and choreographed by Lloyd Culbreath who brings years of theatrical experience to the production. He has performed on Broadway, and on tour for over 25 years as a dancer, singer, actor, teacher, dance captain, stage manager, and assistant and associate choreographer.

"Working on The Wiz is such a joy!" says Culbreath. "Soulful, sassy, and brimming with joy! The show is such a wonderful combination of amazing memorable songs, spectacular dancing and armfuls of heart and love. It offers something for everyone. I'm thrilled to spend this time in the land of Oz!"

Cast in The Wiz are Nayomi Braaf as Dorothy, Kedrick D. Faulk as Scarecrow, Ben Bagby as Tin Man, Darius J. Manuel as Lion, Kyaunnee Richardson as Aunt Em/Glinda, Arlene Coutee as Addaperle, and Jamari Johnson Williams as The Wiz. 2017 Carbonell Award-winner (Best Actress, Musical) Sarah Gracel will play Evelline. Also in the cast are Michael Baugh, Kolten Bell, Alexander Domingue, Cameron Jackson, Kimberly Mhoon, Johanna Moise, Alicia Nicole, Mickey Nixon, Amy Romero, Andre Russell, Johanna Taylor, and Shanna Woods.

David Nagy will serve as the production's Musical Director and keyboard 1; he will be accompanied by Karen Nagy on keyboard 2, Andrea Gilbert on woodwind, Sandy Poltarack on bass and Guitar, Brian Sayre on drums, and Rupert Ziawinski on Bass. Marissa Calabrese is The Wiz' Associate Director. Scenic Design is by Randall Parsons, Lighting Design is by Kirk Bookman, and Sound Design is by Rushnay Henry. The production's Stage Manager is Nancy Clay.

The Wiz will run from December 7 - December 31 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The theatre is located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill (33311), in the Central Broward Regional Park on the North East corner of Sunrise Boulevard and 441 (State Road 7).

Tickets for The Wiz range from $48 to $58. (LPAC charges a $5 service fee per ticket, however if a package of four Stage Door shows is purchased the service fees will be waived.) Group rates are available, as are student prices (with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org or on the LPAC website at https://lpacfl.com.

For more information about The Wiz and/or Stage Door Theatre, please visit http://www.stagedoorfl.org, or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

Photo credit: David Martinek