Riverside City College Theatre Department’s Summer Conservatory will present the beloved Broadway gem, THE WIZ, featuring 75 students from schools throughout Riverside County.
THE WIZ will be presented on Friday, July 19, at 7 pm and Saturday, July 20, at 2 pm in Landis Performing Arts Center on the campus of Riverside City College (4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506). Tickets are $15 presale and $20 at the door.
The production stars Julianne Westbrook as Dorothy (North High School), Armando Reyes as Scarecrow (Rancho Verde High School) Eric Bruno as the Lion (Ramona High School) and Tamarine Williams as the Tin Man (Eisenhower High School). RCC Students round out the principal roles with Samantha Wass appearing as Addapearle and Julianne Riddle as Glinda.
THE WIZ infuses L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music. This timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the Land of Oz is a fun, family-friendly, modern musical that won seven Tony Awards in 1975, including Best Musical. THE WIZ was also adapted into a film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
THE WIZ, which features music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown, is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children's novel of Oz in the context of modern African-American culture. Ease on Down the Road, Brand New Day, Home and Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News are just a few of the beloved musical numbers featured in THE WIZ.
“Audiences will be astounded by the talent of this diverse bunch,” Jodi Julian, professor and director of the program, said. “It is also exciting to see so many people of color involved in the theatre production.”
Tickets can be purchased Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, at the Landis PAC Box Office or one hour prior to the performance. Tickets purchased online or by phone will be held at the box office will call and need to be picked up 30 minutes prior to the performance time or during box office hours.