Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester has announced that this Christmas it will stage the first new UK production of The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in 10 years.
The Wiz will run at Hope Mill Theatre from 24th November 2021 to 16th January 2022.
With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, book by William F. Brown and original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, The Wiz is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
This new production will be directed by Actor’s Touring Theatre’s Artistic Director and previous Royal Exchange Associate Artistic Director Matthew Xia, with Musical Supervision and Orchestrations by Sean Green and Choreography by Leah Hill.
Hope Mill Theatre will be co-producing alongside producer Ameena Hamid and bringing on board Assistant Producer ChuChu Nwagu, bringing vital voices to this important and genre defining musical.
The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a joyous modern retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s story reflecting contemporary African-American culture. After Dorothy gets swept up in a tornado, she finds herself in the fantastical world of Oz. There, she makes new friends, battles evil witches, and seeks the aid of the all-powerful and mysterious Wiz. Ultimately, Dorothy finds that, if you believe with all your heart, you can always find your way home. With an infectious soul score, dynamic numbers, and endearing cast of characters, The Wiz is a joyous explosion of music, dance, magic, and heart to delight audience members of all ages.
Hope Mill Theatre will be operating with any current covid measures that are in place at this time.
Full creative team and casting to be announced at a later date.