Department of Theatre to present The Wiz

The Department of Theatre will present The Wiz, Apr. 19-23 at the Belk Theater in Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts. An update of The Wizard of Oz set in an urban landscape The Wiz won seven Tony Awards on Broadway, including Best Musical and Best Score. The production is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre James Vesce, with music direction by adjunct faculty and jazz pianist Noel Freidline. The UNC Charlotte Jazz Ensemble will accompany the cast in the show’s popular mix of rock, gospel, and soul music; an on-stage DJ will add a contemporary hip-hop aesthetic.

The Wiz is the first production under the auspices of the College of Arts + Architecture’s new Musical Theatre Certificate program, offered through a partnership between the music and theatre departments. The certificate curriculum includes training in singing, acting, and dance, along with music theatre history, rudimentary sight-singing, and music theatre workshop and is open by audition.

Performances will take place at 7:30 pm on Apr. 19-21 and 23 and at 2 pm on Apr. 22. The Apr. 19 show is sold out; tickets for remaining shows are $18 (general admission), $12 (UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, and alumni), $10 (seniors, active military, and veterans), $8 (students).