Photo Courtesy: FAMU Essential Theatre
As the curtains rise and the spotlight illuminates the stage, be prepared to be transported to a world of enchantment and wonder with the Essential Theatre’s production of “The Wiz,” a timeless classic.
Theater students at FAMU have been rehearsing, preparing and anticipating their hard work.
“The Wiz” premiered live on Jan. 5, 1975, directed by William F. Brown. A few years later Sidney Lumet’s iconic movie featuring great names such as Micheal Jackson and Diana Ross came to life in 1978. This well-known production continues to touch the hearts of our time.
Directed by associate theater professor, Evelyn D. Tyler, this rendition of “The Wiz” promises to captivate the audience’s attention with its innovative approach and fresh perspective of pop culture. The imagery will be dazzling, and the performances will be polished but creative.
” I am extremely excited about this classic story that’s being told through live theater,” Tyler said. “I am looking forward to having sold-out shows and enjoying the audience seeing different imagery found within pop culture that we loved so much. Those individual symbolisms you will see will knock you off your feet, and you will be glad that you came to see this story told in a way that hasn’t been told before.”
The cast and crew are composed of FAMU students. They have been hard at work bringing “The Wiz” characters to life with passion and dedication. The audience will feel long hours and sacrifice.
The audience may have a looking glass into this unique world of theater.
“With every performance, I want students to see the different sides and to appreciate the craft of theater,” Rhody Jean, a third-year technical theater major, said. “Portraying each of these roles is what makes this experience fun. I’m excited to be able to embody drastically different characters completely. I want the audience to see those different aspects of myself as I am in those characters’ shoes.”
In addition to the captivating performances, the music is set to be a critical component that brings the show together. The grooves and melodies might have you in a trance. FAMU’s talented musicians have rehearsed the original music and added their creative twist.
“I was super excited to have been a part of this production. I loved watching the movie as a kid,” said Aundre Conner, a graduating physical therapy major who will play bass in the show.
“The music will have you dancing and bopping your head. I love how the music makes me feel, and I hope the audience will experience the melodic wave.”
Make sure to secure your ticket now in Tucker Hall. As opening night approaches, excitement is building, and students are eagerly ready to experience an unforgettable journey into the world of “The Wiz.”