Stumptown Stages presents The Wiz, Feb. 13 through March 1 at Jefferson High School Auditorium, 5210 N. Kerby St.
The show stars Eugene Blackmon, Angela Freeman, Quincy Hickson, Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss, Donna Kendrick, Yohannes Murphy, Jerrod Neal, Shawn Price and Kamaria Wison.
Based on "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz," by L. Frank Baum, this musical is an African American adaptation of the tale we all know by heart.
Dorothy (Angela Freeman) is blown by a tornado into Munchkinland where she meets the Scarecrow (Quincy Hickson), the Tinman (Jerrod Neal), and the Cowardly Lion (Eugene Blackmon). They all go off to see the Wizard of Oz (Yohannes Murphy), who turns out to be a phoney, but she starts believing and they all live happily ever after.
The Wiz features one of the Northwest's most noted performers, Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss as Evillene and reunites cast members Yohannes Murphy, Eugene Blackmon, Amber C. Cobb III, Loretha Garner, and Yasmine Moore from last season's hit musical Dreamgirls.
Returning to the Jefferson stage are alumni Shawn Price as Glinda and Shalanda Sims as The Gatekeeper.
The Wiz is directed by Stumptown Stages' Artistic Director Kirk Mouser and choreographed by the Jefferson Dancers' Artistic Director Steve Gonzales.
Curtain on Fridays and Saturdays is at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
A special benefit performance for Jefferson High School and the Portland Public School District is Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. Stumptown is offering a two for one Valentine's Day special performance. Purchase one ticket and the second ticket is at no cost.
The show was made possible in part by grants the Oregon Arts Commission, Regional Arts and Culture Council.
Tickets can be purchases online at www.stumptownstages.com or by calling the box-office at 503-381-8686.
