Wilmington Drama League Presents

“The Wiz”

"With its production of The Wiz , the Wilmington Drama League gets down, gets funky and even cops an attitude… the joyful show entertains young and old and reveals some of the region's new and talented young voices.” – Jeff Murphy, Wilmington News Journal, December 10, 2004

Ease on down to the WDL this December as Director Tina Sheing, assisted by Musical Director June Rietdorf and choreographer Angela Bates, brings to life the familiar tale of the magical land of Oz and its inhabitants, visitors, and the occasional flying monkey, all showcasing the talent of a cast of nearly 60 adults and children. "I enjoy working with talented people," Sheing says, "and I am getting the Lion's share (no pun intended) on this show!"

The Wiz makes for the perfect Chrysalis production. Why? "It gives me the opportunity to work with people of all ages," Sheing says. "It's a very diverse cast and that is GREAT!" Sheing says that the cast is an equal mix of familiar Chrysalis faces and new recruits, some of whom are children whose dedicated parents drive them to the WDL from such far away lands as South Jersey and even Philadelphia. "That's what I call support!" she says.

The Wiz is the story of The Wizard of Oz told in a fun and funky style, making the show truly enjoyable for the entire family. Yet, it isn't just song and dance. "The show has such depth and meaning to it – it struck a chord in me and I want to share that with the cast and the audience," Sheing says. A major theme? "'Believe in Yourself' – the song says it all – that's why it's reprised in the show."

Believe in yourself, right from the start;
believe in the magic that's inside your heart;
believe in all these things not because I told you to,
but believe in yourself as I believe in you. 

"This is going to sound corny,” Sheing adds, “but it's about having the courage to admit that you CAN do what you set out to do, having the brains to realize it and the heart to follow it through."

The Wilmington News Journal certainly agrees! Reviewer Jeff Murphy declared “With a celebratory tone and a lovingly handled treatment by the company, everyone should enjoy this tuneful, soul-influenced adaptation of a classic!”

Don’t miss The Wiz at the Wilmington Drama League! Final shows are 8:00 on December 18^th, 2:00 on December 19^th, 2:00 on December 26^th, and 8:00 on December 29^th. Call (302) 764-1172 for info and reservations.