Public Has 4 Chances to See 'The Wiz' at Berkley High School

The public has four chances to see the Berkley High School student musical production of The Wiz, according to a news release. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan.16-18, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, in the Berkley High School Auditorium, 2325 Catalpa.

Set in a non-descript time period, The Wiz is the modernization of the L. Frank Baum classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by William F. Brown with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The Wiz also features additional music and lyrics by Luther Vandross and Timothy Graphenreed.

Naïve teenager Dorothy comes of age in this fantasy about all human insecurities and doubts as she grows up before the audience’s eyes as she’s transported via tornado to the land of Oz. On her way she meets the personifications of her own doubts in the scarecrow, the tinman and the lion. The four friends meet and befriend two witches, fight with Kalidahs, flying monkeys and the wickedest of wicked witches, Evillene, on a quest to meet the Wiz.

Much like the original story, the Wiz is able to help the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion, but only a pair of bedazzled shoes and belief in herself can help Dorothy get back home to Kansas.

The Berkley High School cast features:

Dorothy – Emily Bailey (senior)

Aunt Em – Chloe Oliva (sophomore)

Scarecrow – Griffin Palmer (sophomore)

Tinman – Jacob Chaiken (junior)

Lion – Justin Rogers (senior)

The Wiz – Alex Morrison (sophomore)

Addaperle – Hannah Fahoome (junior)

Evillene – Shannon Smith (senior)

Glinda – Claire Schlussel (sophomore)

Pit Singers – Haley Ceresnie (sophomore), Emily Muench (freshman), Lily Queen (junior)

Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for students, seniors and children under 12; free for children under 2. Buy tickets online or at the door.