Ken Harper News

BroadwayWorld Guest Contributor, David Appleford, gives high marks to the pre-Broadway tour of THE WIZ at ASU Gammage through January 7th.

BroadwayWorld.com continues our exclusive content series, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which delves into the library's unparalleled archives, and resources. Below, check out a piece by Barbara Cohen-Stratyner, Ph. D., Judy R. and Alfred A. Rosenberg Curator of Exhibitions for the Shelby Cullom Davis Museum, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on: Finding The Wiz at The Library for the Performing Arts.

Berkeley Playhouse closes its fifth season with the Tony Award-winning musical THE WIZ. Kimberly Dooley(Lucky Duck, Seussical, The Musical, Once On This Island) directs and choreographs this soulful re-imagining of L. Frank Baum's family classicThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz, featuring a cast of 46. THE WIZ plays July 13 through August 25 (Press opening: July 13) at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley. For tickets ($17-60) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351.

Once again, Maine State Music Theatre breaks new ground in Northern New England with a show that is rarely produced on a professional theatre stage and never before presented to an MSMT audience. The 2011 season ends with a bang, featuring an all-African American cast revving up theatregoers in THE WIZ, the retelling of Frank L. Baum's THE WIZARD OF OZ in a unique 70s style.

Once again, Maine State Music Theatre breaks new ground in Northern New England with a show that is rarely produced on a professional theatre stage and never before presented to an MSMT audience.