Summer Theatre performance of The Wiz to kick off 34th season June 24

Ready to experience a classic story with a “soulful” twist? Then mark your calendar for upcoming performances of Tony Award-winning musical, The Wiz.

This retelling of the timeless story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will take the stage first during the 2018 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre season at Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre.

The Wiz will make its debut on the big stage June 26, 27, 28 and 30 at 7 p.m. and June 24, 29 and July 1 at 2 p.m.

Every song is uplifting and every journey is a parable telling viewers how to see a better world. Magical places with outlandish characters helped this show earn seven Tony Awards including the title of Best Musical. The production celebrates diversity as audiences will see actors from many cultures as they sing and dance the story.

Directed by Janet Barton Speer, the play is based on the 1974 book by William F. Brown, The Wiz—an urban retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

 “I think what drew me to The Wiz is the uplifting music,” Speer said. “Every single song is engaging and shows the power of the human spirit. Every mini-story within the play is an allegory on how we can better live our lives.”  

The show will feature nine-year-old lead actor, Liamani Segura, in the iconic role of Dorothy. A self-taught singer since the age of six, Segura has performed on several stages including those at MLB and NBA games as well as the Indy 500.

Catching the attention of celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Segura also had the chance to sing before the judges on popular TV show, America’s Got Talent.

With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., “The Wiz is rich with lessons but wildly entertaining in their presentation,” Speer added.

Individual show tickets range in price, per person, from $38–43 for adults, to $18–20 for students and/or children. Season ticket prices, per person, range in price from $114 for premium seating to $99 for general seating.

Tickets can be purchased online at lmc.edu/summertheatre, by mail request and at the box office.

Box office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Please check online for show day hours. For group sales, call the box office at 828.898.8709.

 

The Wiz
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By Nina MastandreaJune 15, 2018
FamiliesCommunityAlumniCampus Life