In this Inside UNC Charlotte webcast, James Vesce from the Department of Theatre discusses the upcoming production of “The Wiz,” scheduled for April 19-23.
An update of “The Wizard of Oz” set in an urban landscape, “The Wiz” won seven Tony Awards on Broadway, including Best Musical and Best Score.
Vesce, associate professor of theatre, is the musical’s director; Noel Freidline, an adjunct faculty member and jazz pianist, provides music direction. The UNC Charlotte Jazz Ensemble will accompany the cast in the show’s popular mix of rock, gospel and soul music; an on-stage DJ will add a contemporary hip-hop aesthetic.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, April 19-21, and Monday, April 23. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 22. Shows will be in the Belk Theater of the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts.
“The Wiz” is the first production under the auspices of the College of Arts + Architecture’s new Musical Theatre Certificate program, offered through a partnership between the Music and Theatre departments. The certificate curriculum includes training in singing, acting and dance, along with music theatre history, rudimentary sight-singing and music theatre workshop and is open by audition.
The April 19 show is sold out; tickets for remaining shows are $18 for general admission; $12 for UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, and alumni; $10 for seniors, active military and veterans); and $8 for students.