The Wiz comes to Windsor

 

By Miranda Monahan

The Wiz eased on down the brick road and found its way to the Capitol Theatre on University Avenue West.

The play began its run on March 22 and is being produced by the Arts Collective Theatre, a non-profit theatre company. The A.C.T. is currently run out of All Saint’ Anglican Church.

According to the ACT’s vision statement, “ACT is committed to delivering educational theatre based practices to the Windsor – Essex Community and beyond.”

Auditions for the show began back in October.

The play is based on the Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and was released as a film starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor, in 1978.

The ACT production was directed by Chris Rabideau.

“This is ACT’s fifth season, as we celebrate the season of home,” said Rabideau.

Choreography was done by Leslie McCurdy, a local writer and playwright.

“This is the first ACT musical where I did much choreography but it’s not the first time I have choreographed The Wiz. I produced the show and choreographed it over 20 years ago. I had the privilege of playing Dorothy 30 years ago in one of my first professional jobs, so it’s a show that’s close to my heart,” said McCurdy.