Theatre In The X To Present THE WIZ For Free In Malcolm X Park With A 90's Theme

Local theater company Theatre in the X presents a free outdoor production of The Wiz in Malcolm X Park on August 12, 19, and 26 at 5pm. Directed by Cheyenne Barboza, this production of The Wiz is an homage to Hip Hop and Black cinema of the late 80s/early 90s. Featuring original musical compositions, the iconic characters will journey through an Oz remixed with all the nuance and cultural swag of the Black experience in America. The performances will be held in the center of Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19143. The production is free and open to the public. In lieu of ticket purchases the company encourages audience members who are able, to donate at https://www.gofundme.com/theatre-in-the-x-presents-the-wiz. This event is Bring Your Own Chair (BYOC).

"We are excited to bring some joy into the community," said Executive Director, LaNeshe Miller-White. "Our past productions have been more serious in nature, highlighting issues in the Black community. At this point in time with so much sadness around, we want to contribute to Black joy and uplift our community."

In addition to original 80s/90s inspired musical compositions led by Musical Director and Ill Doots member LaTasha "Elle" Morris, this production is unique in its inclusion of American Sign Language into the staging of the production. The cast is made up of twenty two performers ranging from child actors to professional actors seen often on Philadelphia stages. This grand presentation marks the company's fifth presentation in Malcolm X Park and their first musical.

Theatre in the X provides the people of West Philadelphia and the African American community at large the opportunity to see professional quality theater in their own neighborhood for no cost. By removing the barriers of location and price the audience is able to experience theater that they possibly would not be able to access otherwise. Theatre in the X also provides opportunities to playwrights, actors, directors, stage managers, DJs, sound engineers and vendors of color.

CAST: Nyah Anderson, David Bazemore, Lyron Kaliq Paulin, Shafiq Hicks, Derek Delequa, Phillip Anthony Wilson, Nicole Stacie, Rhonda Rize, Janae Latrice Abbott, Nastassja Whitman, Taheem Mack, Folashade Foreman-Bey, Zaria Leonard-Mack, LaShawn Elise, Derrick Ford, Domi Jo, Brennen Malone, Aliyah Isis, Jordan Dease, Ibn Mayes. Amun Bey, Shawneka Ponder.