Vlogƽ’s School of Theatre and Dance is continuing its 2024-2025 season with "The Wiz" running February 21 through March 2 in E. Turner Stump Theatre, located in the Center for Performing Arts.
A beloved Broadway gem, "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.
"The Wiz" was written by William F. Brown with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, from the story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. 2024-2025 Roe Green Visiting Director, Ansley Valentine, is directing with Assistant Directors, Daylon Brown and Srikar Bellana. Music direction is by Jonathan Swoboda with Assistant Musical Director, Taylor Patterson. Choreography is by guest artist, Dominic-Moore Dunson, with Dance Captain, Lalah Sanah Brown. The Hair and Makeup Consultant is guest artist, Jerrilyn Lanier Duckworth.
Sage Ayelet Brown is the production stage manager, costume design is by Abbie Hagen, lighting design is by MK Doherty, sound design is by Jack Drinan and the properties manager is Tegan Wilson. Karl Erdmann is the production manager and Tony Hardin is the scenic designer and director of the School of Theatre and Dance and producer.
“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Black theatre in the 1970s—a time when Broadway saw a surge of all-Black productions. In 1967, Pearl Bailey took on the role of Dolly Levi, heading an all-Black cast of “Hello, Dolly!” This production seemed to be the harbinger of both originally white musicals with Black casts like such as “Guys and Dolls” in 1976, Black musicals created by white composers like “Purlie” (1970, adapted from Ossie Davis’ “Purlie Victorious”) to those created with more African American creative leadership like “Raisin” in 1973 (adapted from Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”). Of these productions, “The Wiz” stands out for its distinctly Black aesthetic.
“The Wiz” was revolutionary when it first appeared in 1975, and its impact has endured. For those of us who grew up in the 1970s, it represents a piece of our childhood—a joyful reminder of icons like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, whose talents illuminated the film version. For younger generations, particularly BIPOC individuals, “The Wiz” is a chance to see themselves reflected onstage—a reminder of the power of representation.
While based on “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” isn’t the same thing. The language, rhythms, harmonies and beauty of the Black community make this a different story. It is a celebration of resilience, imagination and hope.
Personally, I feel deeply moved to create this production alongside a remarkable all-Black cast and an extraordinary team of designers, crew and collaborators. This journey has been one of incredible joy, and we’ve leaned into that joy—the essence of Black culture that beats at the heart of this familiar story.” -Ansley Valentine
Vlogƽ Ansley Valentine
Ansley Valentine is a professional director and actor for the theatre and musical theatre and an educator with experience teaching at the collegiate level and in both public and private performing arts high schools. Ansley is currently a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and Actors Equity Association (AEA). His many awards include a 2014 Telly Award for his film "Unchanging Principles," a Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for his efforts to promote college and university theatre across the country, as well as numerous Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Certificates of Merit for direction. Ansley holds an M.F.A. in directing from Indiana University and a B.A. in theatre from Wabash College. He is a co-founder and the producing artistic director of Ohio Youth Ensemble Stage, a professionally-managed summer youth theatre program that celebrates diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all students no matter their ability.
Vlogƽ The Roe Green Visiting Director’s Series
The Roe Green Visiting Director Series was established in 2003 following a $25,000 donation, to be repeated annually, from local arts patron and activist Roe Green. In 2018, Ms. Green furthered her generosity by endowing the Roe Green Visiting Director Series which will now benefit School of Theatre and Dance students for years to come. Through the program, the School of Theatre and Dance invites a guest professional director each year to work in residency with students and direct one of the School's Main Stage productions. The School of Theatre and Dance is fortunate to be able to offer this diverse opportunity to its students. Now in its 16th year, the Roe Green Visiting Director Series continues to bring professional directors to Vlogƽ.
PERFORMANCES
All performances take place in E. Turner Stump Theatre, Center for the Performing Arts (1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH, 44242).
Friday, February 21
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 23
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 26
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 27
7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 28
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 1
7:30 pm.
Sunday, March 2
2:00 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets to “The Wiz” can be purchased through the Performing Arts Box Office by phone at 330-672-2787 or online at www.kent.edu/artscollege/box-office