Cast Announced For Black British Retelling of THE WIZ at Hope Mill Theatre

Following its sold-out, critically acclaimed production of 'Rent', Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre in association with Ameena Hamid Productions announces the cast for a radical new version of the 70s musical The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz".

The Wiz will run from Wednesday 24 November 2021 to Sunday 16 January 2022.

Press night is Sunday 28 November at 5pm.

Directed by Matthew Xia ('Into the Woods', Royal Exchange), The Wiz is a joyous retelling of
L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' reflecting contemporary
African-American culture. Its 1975 Broadway premiere production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Matthew Xia said: "The Wiz is approaching its 50th anniversary, it now exists within the canon of mainstream musicals and it's due time for some bold reinvention. Originally a funk and soul-based analogy for the African-American experience, in 2021 Manchester we're offering a contemporary take on the discovery of self-determination and Black joy with this celebration of Black culture across the African diaspora."

Cast: Cherelle Wiliams is Dorothy; Tarik Frimpong, Scarecrow; Llewellyn Graham, Tin Man;
Jonathan Andre, Lion; Cameron Bernard Jones, The Wiz; Anelisa Lamola, Addaperle; Bree Smith, Aunt Em & Glinda; Kofi Dennis, Lord High; Ashh Blackwood, Evillene.

Ensemble: Andile Mabhena, Shayna McPherson, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Samantha Shuma, Marisha Morgan.

The show is produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Ameena Hamid Productions & Chuchu Nwagu Productions.

Box Office: 0161 275 9141
(Tuesday - Friday 12pm-6:30pm)

Online: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on