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CROSSROADS LIVE NORTH AMERICA PRESENTS

Adapted from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum BOOK BY

MUSIC & LYRICS BY

WILLIAM F. BROWN

CHARLIE SMALLS

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR THIS PRODUCTION BY

AMBER RUFFIN ADDITIONAL MUSIC BY

LUTHER VANDROSS AND TIMOTHY GRAPHENREED Starring GABBY SAMONE TONI LORENE BAKER APRIL RENEE MOYE JOSE E. FIGUEROA JR. JAELEN SPELLMAN ASHER HAVON BRYAN DEMOND MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM ARY’ANA N. DAVIS MARCUS ELLIOTT JAY FUQUA CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN MALIK JORDAN KIANNA KELLY-FUTCH MORGAN LEWIS TRAVIS LUCAS KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR ALLEN McBRIDE MATTHEW J. McCRAY JOHN RAY JR. NADIA RICHARDSON KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON VERTREACE SANDERS DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE

SCENIC DESIGN

HANNAH BEACHLER VIDEO DESIGN

DANIEL BRODIE ORIGINAL ORCHESTRATIONS

HAROLD WHEELER MUSIC COORDINATOR

TALITHA FEHR

COSTUME DESIGN

LIGHTING DESIGN

SHAREN DAVIS

SOUND DESIGN

RYAN J. O’GARA

ORIGINAL HAIR & WIG DESIGN

CHARLES G. LAPOINTE MUSIC ARRANGEMENTS

DANCE MUSIC ARRANGEMENT

ALLEN RENÉ LOUIS PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

JARVIS BROWN

ORIGINAL MAKEUP DESIGN

KIRK CAMBRIDGE-DEL PESCHE

VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

JOSEPH JOUBERT ALLEN RENÉ LOUIS MUSIC DIRECTOR

JON WESTON

ADAM BLACKSTONE TERENCE VAUGHN

GLORIA BONTRAGER-THOMAS

COMPANY MANAGER

BRIAN CEDRIC JONES CASTING

TOUR DIRECTION

THE BOOKING GROUP TOUR MANAGEMENT

CROSSROADS LIVE NORTH AMERICA

TOUR MARKETING & PUBLICITY DIRECTION

BOND THEATRICAL

PRODUCTION MANAGER

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

GEORGE ERIC PERRY

GREGG DAMANTI

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

KORI PRIOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER

ALAN MINGO JR.

ASHLEY SELDON

MUSIC SUPERVISION, ORCHESTRATIONS, & MUSIC ARRANGEMENTS

JOSEPH JOUBERT CHOREOGRAPHER

JAQUEL KNIGHT DIRECTOR

SCHELE WILLIAMS

MURNANE CASTING AMBER SNEAD, CSA CHAD ERIC MURNANE, CSA GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREW TERLIZZI

Gabby Samone

Toni Lorene Baker

Jose E. Figueroa Jr.

Jaelen Spellman

April Renee Moye

Asher HaVon

Bryan DeMond

Maurissa Cunningham

Ary’ana N. Davis

Marcus Elliott

Jay Fuqua

Chelsea Nicole Green

Malik Jordan

Kianna Kelly-Futch

Morgan Lewis

Travis Lucas

Kaiel Lynice Maynor

Allen McBride

Matthew J. McCray

John Ray Jr.

Nadia Richardson

Khi’Shawn A’Quez Robinson

Vertreace Sanders

Daisy Wilson-Dzogbe

CAST

(in order of appearance) Dorothy ................................................................................................................................. GABBY SAMONE Aunt Em .......................................................................................................................... APRIL RENEE MOYE Tornado. ......................................................CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN, TRAVIS LUCAS, JOHN RAY JR., KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON, MALIK JORDAN Townspeople ..............................MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM, ARY’ANA N. DAVIS, MARCUS ELLIOTT, JAY FUQUA, CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN, MALIK JORDAN, KIANNA KELLY-FUTCH, MORGAN LEWIS, TRAVIS LUCAS, KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR, ALLEN McBRIDE, MATTHEW J. McCRAY, JOHN RAY JR., NADIA RICHARDSON, KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON, VERTREACE SANDERS, DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE Addaperle ...........................................................................................................................ARY’ANA N. DAVIS Glinda.......................................................................................................................... TONI LORENE BAKER Yellow Brick Road ...............................................................MARCUS ELLIOTT, KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR Scarecrow ..................................................................................................................... JOSE E. FIGUEROA JR. Crows ........................................ ARY’ANA N. DAVIS, JOHN RAY JR., KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON Tinman ..............................................................................................................................JAELEN SPELLMAN Lion ........................................................................................................................................... ASHER HAVON Evillene ........................................................................................................................... APRIL RENEE MOYE Lord High Underling........................................................................................................................JAY FUQUA Poppies ........................ ARY’ANA N. DAVIS, CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN, MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM, KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR, VERTREACE SANDERS, DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE Kalidahs ............MALIK JORDAN, TRAVIS LUCAS, JOHN RAY JR., KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON Ozians ........................................MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM, ARY’ANA N. DAVIS, MARCUS ELLIOTT, JAY FUQUA, CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN, MALIK JORDAN, TRAVIS LUCAS, KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR, JOHN RAY JR., KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON, VERTREACE SANDERS, DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE Announcer (Emerald City) ........................................................................................................ TRAVIS LUCAS Gatekeeper 1 ........................................................................................................................... MALIK JORDAN Gatekeeper 2 ...............................................................................................................VERTREACE SANDERS The Wiz ................................................................................................................................. BRYAN DEMOND The Wiz’s Back-Up Singers .................................... KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR, DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE The Wiz’s Back-Up Dancers ............................................ARY’ANA N. DAVIS, CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN Duke Low Underling .............................................................................................. DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE Guards ..................................................................................... MARCUS ELLIOTT, VERTREACE SANDERS Winkies ............................................... ARY’ANA N. DAVIS, CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN, JOHN RAY JR., KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR, KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON, MALIK JORDAN, MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM, TRAVIS LUCAS SWINGS KIANNA KELLY-FUTCH, MORGAN LEWIS, ALLEN McBRIDE, MATTHEW J. McCRAY, NADIA RICHARDSON UNDERSTUDIES For Dorothy—MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM, NADIA RICHARDSON; for Scarecrow—MALIK JORDAN, TRAVIS LUCAS; for Tinman—MALIK JORDAN, TRAVIS LUCAS; for Lion—JAY FUQUA, ALLEN McBRIDE; for The Wiz—MARCUS ELLIOTT, JAY FUQUA; for Aunt Em/Evillene—VERTREACE SANDERS, DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE; for Glinda—MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM, KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR; for Addaperle—VERTREACE SANDERS, DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE. DANCE CAPTAIN KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON

ASSISTANT DANCE CAPTAIN CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I “Overture” ............................................................................................................................................. Orchestra “Soon As I Get Home (Preprise)” ........................................................................................................... Dorothy “The Feeling We Once Had”...................................................................................................Aunt Em, Dorothy “He’s The Wiz” ...................................................................................................................Glinda, Townspeople “Soon As I Get Home”............................................................................................................................ Dorothy “You Can’t Win” ......................................................................................................................Scarecrow, Crows “Ease On Down The Road #1” .............................................................................................Dorothy, Scarecrow “Slide Some Oil To Me” .......................................................................................................................... Tinman “Ease On Down The Road #2” ...............................................................................Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman “Mean Ole Lion”...........................................................................................................................................Lion “Ease On Down The Road #3” ..................................................................... Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion “Be A Lion” .................................................................................................. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion ACT II “The Emerald City” ............................................................................................. Orchestra, Announcer, Ozians Music by Timothy Graphenreed “Meet The Wizard” ................................................................................... Wiz, Wiz’s Back-Up Singers, Ozians “Meet The Wizard (Reprise)” ................................................................... Wiz, Wiz’s Back-Up Singers, Ozians “What Would I Do If I Could Feel” .............................................................. Tinman, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Lion “We’re Gonna Make It” ................................................................................ Scarecrow, Dorothy, Tinman, Lion “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” ............................................................................... Evillene, Winkies “Wonder, Wonder Why”.......................................................................................................................... Dorothy “Everybody Rejoice” ...............................................................Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion, & Company Music and Lyrics by Luther Vandross “Y’all Got It” ....................................................................................................................................Wiz, Ozians “Believe In Yourself” .................................................................................................................................Glinda “Home” ................................................................................................................................................... Dorothy This show is accompanied by an orchestra of live, professional musicians. ORCHESTRA Music Director/Keyboard 1: JARVIS BROWN; Assistant Music Director/Keyboard 2: MELISSA PETRESCUE; Guitar: DAY-VAWN MILLER; Bass: ELLIOT “KIRK” KUYKENDAL; Drums: TOVAH LOVELY. Music Coordinator: Talitha Fehr Keyboard and Ableton Programmer: Randy Cohen, Sam Starobin Additional Music Programming: Rob Cookman & Jeff Moehle Drum Programmer: Tovah Lovely THERE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION.

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited.

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

GABBY SAMONE (Dorothy) (she/her) is a Baltimore-born vocalist and actress, “American Idol” Season 23 finalist, with appearances on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She has performed at the Apollo Theater, worked with Disney, and now makes her national touring debut.

TONI LORENE BAKER (Glinda) (she/her) is thrilled to make her national tour debut with The Wiz! A Houston native and graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s Musical Theatre program, her theatre credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix), Footloose (Ariel), and All Shook Up (Lorraine). She competed on Season 28 of “The Voice” with Snoop Dogg and previously voiced Cody’s Mom and The Doctor on “CoComelon”. APRIL RENEE MOYE (Aunt Em/Evillene) (she/her) is excited to make her debut in The Wiz! A native of Augusta, Georgia, she is a graduate of Glenn Hills High School, Savannah State University, and NCA&T. She discovered her passion for the performing arts through dance and refined her craft through advanced vocal training in New York City. April proudly serves as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. JOSE E. FIGUEROA JR. (Scarecrow) (he/him) is a multi-award-winning Gospel recording artist and actor with over 25 years in the industry. Recent credits: Simba in The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris and “The Voice” Season 20 Live Playoffs contestant. He is honored to join the second national tour of The Wiz. ALL glory to God only and always! JAELEN SPELLMAN (Tinman) (he/him), born and raised in the Bronx, New York, is an actor and singer. He began singing in church at age five and later served as a worship leader in high school. Jaelen began acting in 2024 and is currently pursuing his college education while building a career in performance. He hopes to inspire audiences through honest, meaningful storytelling. ASHER HAVON (Lion) (he/him) is an award-winning vocalist and the winner of Season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice”. A native of Selma, Alabama, his journey began singing for an audience of teddy bears in his grandmother’s living room and has grown to performances on major stages, including appearances for five U.S. presidents. His art-

istry is rooted in authenticity, resilience, soul, and a love of storytelling through music. BRYAN DEMOND (The Wiz) (he/him), a Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, has performed internationally as a vocalist, actor, and host. Favorite credits include Something Rotten! (Shakespeare), Once on This Island (Papa Ge), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), and Ragtime (Coalhouse). He has also worked on productions with artists including Mary J. Blige and David Foster. Motto: “Starve the ego; feed the soul.” MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM (Ensemble) (she/her) is overjoyed to make her national tour debut with The Wiz! A Kansas City native and Wichita State University graduate with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, she is honored to help bring the Emerald City to life. Maurissa sends love and gratitude to everyone who has supported her journey. Believe in yourself!! IG: @maurissa_sings

ARY’ANA N. DAVIS (Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to make her professional touring debut with The Wiz! A University of Florida B.F.A. Musical Theatre graduate, select credits include RENT (Alexi Darling), Pipeline (Jasmine), Macbeth (Third Witch/Fight Captain), and her self-written musical-play The Tracks of Her. She founded UF’s Elite Chompettes Majorette Dance Team. Endless gratitude to God, family, mentors, and everyone who championed her journey. IG: @i_amaryy | TT: @iiam_aryy MARCUS ELLIOTT (Ensemble) (he/him) is thrilled to join The Wiz national tour. An Indianapolis native, Marcus is an actor, comedian, and entertainer whose theatre credits include The Wiz (Scarecrow), The Color Purple (Harpo), Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early), and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Levee). He is also a stand-up comedian, member of Made Man Improv, and appears as Derrick in the YouTube series “Almost 30”. Love and gratitude to God and his family. JAY FUQUA (Ensemble) (he/him) is an Indianapolis-based actor, vocalist, and multidisciplinary artist. A B.F.A. graduate of Indiana University, his theatrical credits include Dreamgirls, RENT, and The Color Purple. He also releases original music as FUQUA and creates work through Dream World of Fuqua. Recent projects include A Divas’ Christmas Cabaret and his SoloFest

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

production Death of a Church Boy. He is honored to share his passion for storytelling with audiences nationwide.

CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN (Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to tour with The Wiz, where she also serves as the Assistant Dance Captain. Previous tours include TINA - The Tina Turner Musical (u/s Alline, Swing/ Dance Captain; Ikette 2). Other credits include Grease (Jan), Disney Cruise Line, Watch Night at PAC NYC, and The Club Act. Screen credits include “Law & Order”, “Severance”, “Power”, “American Horror Story”, “Harlem”, and Mean Girls (2024). B.A. Dance, UMBC. @LeapToTheRhythm MALIK JORDAN (Ensemble) (he/him) is grateful to be back on tour! Credits include The Addams Family 2025 national tour (Ensemble, u/s Pugsley), The Rat Pack Lounge (Bobby Goldfield, Meadow Brook Theatre), and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Drifter, The Cape Playhouse). He is excited to ease on down the road with The Wiz. IG: @malikjordann KIANNA KELLY-FUTCH (Swing) (she/ her). National tour: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical. Regional: Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, A Bronx Tale. B.M. Musical Theatre, Manhattan School of Music. A Washington, D.C. native, Kianna is thrilled to join The Wiz and grateful for the support that has carried her to the Emerald City. IG: @kiannakellyfutch MORGAN LEWIS (Swing) (she/her) is thrilled to join the cast of The Wiz. A Nashville native and Syracuse University B.F.A. graduate, her touring credits include TINA - The Tina Turner Musical. Morgan is grateful to her family, friends, and representation for their unwavering support and is excited to continue sharing her love of performance with audiences across the country. TRAVIS LUCAS (Ensemble) (he/him) makes his national tour debut with The Wiz! Favorite credits include Hairspray (Seaweed), Newsies (Jack Kelly), SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical (SpongeBob), and Grease (Teen Angel). He is grateful to his family and team for their constant support. IG: @thetravislucas KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR (Ensemble) (she/her), 23, is a soulful vocalist whose artistry blends jazz, R&B, and gospel influences with evocative storytelling. Outside

of performing, she shares her love of music and mentorship as a youth choir director and church leader. Kaiel gives all glory to God and lovingly thanks her family, mentors, and supporters for their unwavering encouragement.

ALLEN McBRIDE (Swing) (he/him), originally from Gainesville, Florida, is a recent graduate of SCAD Performing Arts. Favorite acting credits include Donkey (Shrek), Seaweed J. Stubbs (Hairspray), and Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors). He is thrilled to make his national tour debut with The Wiz and grateful for everyone who has supported him along the way. IG: @allenmcbride MATTHEW J. McCRAY (Swing) (he/him) is thrilled to make his national tour debut with The Wiz. A 2024 Muhlenberg College graduate with a B.A. in Theatre and minor in Dance, recent credits include Hairspray (Fulton Theatre), A Chorus Line (Revival Productions), and Dreamgirls (Walnut Street Theatre). He is a 2023 American Dance Guild Jacob’s Pillow Scholarship recipient. Matthew thanks his family, friends, and above all, Jesus Christ. IG: @matt_mccray JOHN RAY JR. (Ensemble) (he/him) gives all glory to God and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of The Wiz. He thanks his parents for their unwavering love and support and sends a special thank-you to his friends and family for believing in him and encouraging him throughout his journey. NADIA RICHARDSON (Swing) (she/her) is thrilled to make her national tour debut with The Wiz! She is currently a student at Baldwin Wallace University and is deeply grateful for this opportunity. Nadia sends love and thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for their continued encouragement and support. IG: @nadiarichardson83 K H I ’ S H AW N A’ Q U E Z R O B I N S O N (Ensemble) (he/him), from Greensboro, North Carolina, returns to The Wiz after appearing in the 50th Anniversary/First National Tour. Additional credits include the national tour of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan; Royal Caribbean’s Hairspray!; and Guys and Dolls at Ogunquit Playhouse. Thanks to family, friends, and Suite Talent Agency. IG: @KhishawnRobinson VERTREACE SANDERS (Ensemble) (she/ her) is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Flora, Mississippi, and an AMDA graduate

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. In 2020, her viral rendition of a Jazmine Sullivan riff challenge led to an appearance on the “BET Soul Train Awards”, where Sullivan praised her performance. Vertreace is thrilled to make her national tour debut with The Wiz and thanks God and her village for their love and support. DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE (Ensemble) (she/her) is still pinching herself as she makes her Broadway touring debut with The Wiz! Favorite credits include Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier) and Hairspray (Cindy/Dynamite). Special thanks to her family, friends, and MMV Talent for their endless support. IG: @ missdais.y

WILLIAM F. BROWN (1928-2019) (Book) is a Tony Award nominated and Drama Desk Award winner of The Wiz, one of the most successful musicals ever to come to Broadway and a winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical of the Year. Other Broadway credits include The Girl in the Freudian Slip (author); New Faces of 1968 (head writer); and A Broadway Musical (book). OffBroadway/regional credits include Twist, How to Steal an Election, Damon’s Song, and The Nutley Papers. He has written and illustrated five books, as well as illustrating six others. Former President of the Theatre Artists Workshop of Connecticut. CHARLIE SMALLS (1943-1987) (Music & Lyrics) began playing music at the age of 5 and by age 6 had earned a music scholarship to what is now the Henry Street Settlement. He went to Juilliard at age 11, staying until he graduated in 1961. Mr. Smalls first adapted The Wizard of Oz musical into The Wiz, setting the tone for this iconic show, and winning him two Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award in 1975 as well as a Grammy Award for Best Theater Album in 1976. He also composed for film scores for Drum and The Wiz. Mr. Smalls earned another Grammy in 1981 for his song “That’s What Miracles Are All About” on the Grammy Award-winning album to the Broadway show Lena Horne: The Lady & Her Music. His legacy lives on as he remains an important and influential African-American voice. AMBER RUFFIN (Writer of Additional Material) is an Emmy, Tony and WGA Award-nominated writer and performer for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “Have

I Got News For You.” She has written and performed on many TV shows including “The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Detroiters,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and “Drunk History.” Ruffin has written for the Emmys, Golden Globes and Tonys. Ruffin is a New York Times bestselling author of You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey and The World Record Book Of Racist Stories. She co-wrote Broadway’s Some Like it Hot and wrote the Broadway revival of The Wiz. She most recently co-wrote the book and music for off-Broadway’s BIGFOOT!.

SCHELE WILLIAMS (Director). Broadway: The Wiz, The Notebook (co-director). Disney’s revival of Aida. Other Broadway: Rent (assoc. choreographer), Motown: The Musical (assoc. director), Aida (OBC). Schele is the author of the children’s book Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History (recipient of the 2022 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor), followed by Your Legacy Begins, published in May of 2024. Williams is committed to cultivating work with authentic representation on stage and off. She received the 2024 Drama League Founders Award for Excellence in Directing. Schele dedicates this production to her daughters Sayla and Sasha. JAQUEL KNIGHT (Choreographer) is an award-winning choreographer, director, creative director, and founder of Knight Haus Studios whose work has shaped some of the most recognizable movement in contemporary culture. At 18, he choreographed Beyoncé’s iconic “Single Ladies,” beginning a career spanning music, film, television, touring, and live performance. His work includes Beyoncé’s Homecoming, multiple Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Body,” and collaborations with Shakira, Pharrell Williams, and more. Through Knight Haus Studios, JaQuel expands his work across creative direction, filmmaking, live entertainment, and original storytelling. He also founded the JaQuel Knight Foundation, advancing education, ownership, and protection for choreographers. JOSEPH JOUBERT (Music Supervision, Orchestrations, & Music Arrangements) Grammy and Emmy Award nominee. Credits include Broadway’s The Color Purple; Caroline, or Change (Roundabout); Motown The Musical (music director); Disaster; Leap of Faith. Off-Broadway: Carmen Jones, Violet,

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

Hercules (Paper Mill). TV: Smash. Film: Respect, Nights in Rodanthe. Recording: Patti LaBelle, Ashford & Simpson, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Jennifer Holliday, Norm Lewis, Tom Kitt, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills. ALLEN RENÉ LOUIS (Vocal Arrangements, Music Arrangements) is a Grammy nominated Haitian-American producer, arranger, composer, and creative director. His artistry is deeply rooted in his cultural background and church upbringing. He has recently collaborated with Yale Repertory Theatre, National Theatre of Parramatta, Australia and The American Theatre Wing. Louis is currently the Artistic Director of the Grammy Award-nominated and Tony Award Honors recipient Broadway Inspirational Voices. @iamallenlouis ADAM BLACKSTONE (Dance Music Arranger). Grammy and Emmy-winning artist & music director, Tony-nominated, and CEO of BASSic Black Entertainment. His Legacy album received 4 Grammy nominations. His credits as MD include The Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Oscars and NBC’s “That’s My Jam.” For this project, Blackstone partnered with musician and super producer Terence Vaughn (Hamilton, the Grammys, Super Bowl) who breathed new life into this classic masterpiece.

HANNAH BEACHLER (Scenic Design) is a prolific production designer with an affinity for evocative designs and visuals. She is the first African American to be nominated for and win an Academy Award for her work on Marvel’s Black Panther (directed by Ryan Coogler). She returned for its highly anticipated sequel, Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Additional credits include Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Moonlight (Oscar winner). SHAREN DAVIS (Costume Design) is an Emmy Award winning and twice Academy Award nominated Costume Designer. She received an Emmy for HBO’s Watchmen and was nominated for HBO’s Westworld. Her two Oscar nominations were for Dreamgirls and Ray. Sharen has designed for film and television for over 20 years. Noteworthy credits include King Richard, The Help, Django Unchained and The Magnificent Seven. RYAN J. O’GARA (Lighting Design) Broadway: Thoughts of a Colored Man.

National tours (select): Mystic Pizza, On Your Feet, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, Blippi and A Night with Janis Joplin. Select: Cirque, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tokyo DisneySea, NY City Opera, Paper Mill, Walnut Street, Drury Lane, TUTS, New Victory Theatre, Capital Repertory and Bristol Riverside Theatre (2016 Barrymore). ALD for over 25 Broadway productions. Graduated from UNCSA. www.ryanogara.com JON WESTON (Sound Design) Broadway: Parade; Paradise Square; An American in Paris; Prince of Broadway; She Loves Me; On the 20th Century; You Can’t Take it With You; The Bridges of Madison County; How to Succeed...; 13 the Musical; The Color Purple; Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie. Many national tour, West End and international credits.

DANIEL BRODIE (Video Design) is a New York based video and projection designer. Credits include Broadway and West End productions of Motown: The Musical, The Wiz, Disney’s Aladdin, and Jekyll & Hyde. Projection designer for Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella in-the-round at Royal Albert Hall and Winter’s Tale. Projection designer for MacArthur Fellow Basil Twist’s Titon et l’Aurore and Rite of Spring. Love to Caitlin and Ezra. CHARLES G. LAPOINTE (Original Hair and Wig Design) Award winning designer who maintains a highly successful career on stages throughout the United States and abroad. Numerous Broadway, touring, regional theatre and international productions including Hamilton (Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Award), MJ, Tommy, SIX, Doubt, Beetlejuice, The Cher Show (Drama Desk Award); SpongeBob SquarePants (Drama Desk Award). Television: Emmy nominations for The Wiz Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live! KIRK CAMBRIDGE-DEL PESCHE (Original Makeup Design) A multiculturated Vincentian born, naturalized American. Broadway: The Wiz, Lempicka, The Notebook, Merrily We Roll Along, JaJa’s African Hair Braiding Salon, Camelot, Ain’t No Mo, The Piano Lesson, Into The Woods, For Colored Girls, A Strange Loop, POTUS, The Skin of Our Teeth, Skeleton Crew, Clyde’s, Trouble

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

In Mind. National tours: The Wiz & Into The Woods. International: Disney’s Hercules.

RANDY COHEN (Keyboard Programmer) has programmed or provided keyboard tech services for over 100 Broadway shows including Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Dear Evan Hansen, In The Heights, and Kinky Boots. TV: “Sesame Street,” “Electric Company.” Thanks to Sam, Tim, and Nick. TALITHA FEHR (Music Coordinator): Selected highlights include Mamma Mia!, Sister Act, School of Rock, Phantom of the Opera, Come Fly Away, A Christmas Story, Cats, Love Never Dies, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. She dedicates this work to her mentor, Sam Lutfiyya. MURNANE CASTING, CSA (Casting), led by Chad Eric Murnane, CSA, and Amber Snead, CSA, casts for Broadway, tours, and regional theatre. Recent projects include tours of SHUCKED, The Wiz, TINA, Dear Evan Hansen, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Sound of Music, and Kinky Boots. We regularly collaborate with major theatres nationwide, including Arena Stage, Asolo Rep, Bay Street, Denver Center, Goodspeed, and The Hollywood Bowl. Learn more at MurnaneCasting.com and follow @MurnaneCastingNYC. THE BOOKING GROUP (Tour Booking Agency) has represented 30 Tony Award® winning Best Musicals and Plays. Current and upcoming tours include Boop!, Buena Vista Social Club, Every Brilliant Thing, Hamilton, Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, Just In Time, Mamma Mia!, Oh, Mary!, Operation Mincemeat, Ragtime, Schmigadoon!, Six, The Devil Wears Prada, The Lost Boys, The Notebook, and Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York, among many others. BOND THEATRICAL (Tour Booking, Marketing, & Publicity) is an independently-owned theatrical booking, marketing, and publicity company representing award-winning Broadway shows and live entertainment properties. BOND connects artists and audiences by forming strategic, authentic, and profitable partnerships between producers and presenters across North America. For a complete list of current projects, please visit BondTheatrical.com ASHLEY SELDON (Associate Choreographer) a Washington, D.C. native and University of the Arts alumna, is a dynam-

ic, classically trained dancer who has toured with legends like Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher, Pharrell, and Megan Thee Stallion. She assisted choreography for The Wiz on Broadway and continues to shine across TV and stage. Most recently, she co-choreographed Mariah Carey’s Vegas residency, The Celebration of MiMi, and her latest Christmas tour.

JARVIS BROWN (Music Director) is an accomplished pianist, producer, film and television composer with national and international performance experience. A native of Miami, Florida, he is a graduate of Florida A&M University. ALAN MINGO, JR. (Associate Director) serves as Associate Director and most recently starred as The Wiz in the Pre-Broadway, Broadway and first national touring companies of The Wiz revival, shaping the production both onstage and behind the scenes. He is widely recognized for his award-winning performance as Lola in the Canadian and Broadway productions of Kinky Boots (Dora Award, Best Leading Actor) and as Maura Lee Karupt in the HBO Max series “Doom Patrol.” Internationally, he was Associate Director of the Italian production of Rent, produced by Luciano Pavarotti, where he also starred as Tom Collins. GLORIA BONTRAGER-THOMAS (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is a stage manager from St. Louis, MO. National Tours: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, Come From Away, Regional: Disney’s NEWSIES (The MUNY); Romeo and Juliet (Notre Dame Shakespeare); Death of a Salesman, The Light, Skeleton Crew, EUBIE! (St. Louis Black Repertory Company). BRIAN CEDRIC JONES (Company Manager) is honored to be part of this remarkable company and grateful to help carry forward the legacy of The Wiz for a new generation. His recent company management credits include TINA: The Tina Turner Musical tour and SUFFS on Broadway. Endless thanks to the mentors, collaborators, family, and friends whose love and support make this journey possible. JONATHAN KWOCK (Assistant Company Manager). National tour debut! Credits: Disney Cruise Line, Stages St. Louis, Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Paramount Theatre Aurora, Little Theatre on the Square, Variety

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

Theatre St. Louis. Chicago resident and Northwestern MSLCE Alum. For Chris. @jonkwock

GREGG DAMANTI (Production Manager). Gregg has been fortunate to spend the past 26 years working in theater. He got his start as a Production Stage Manager at Busch Gardens before moving to New York City, serving as Production Manager for Blue Man Group. Since joining CXL in 2018, he has helped bring On Your Feet! (First National), CATS, Lincoln Center’s My Fair Lady (First National), Pretty Woman, Dear Evan Hansen, Elf, Kinky Boots, and now The Wiz to stages across the country and around the world. All the love to Jen and Ripley—his support system, biggest fans, and favorite people to come home to after every tour. GEORGE ‘ERIC’ PERRY (Technical Director) recently joined the Crossroads Live team from Southwest Michigan. Eric enjoys many of the aspects of theatre and has worked in many departments in local, regional, and national productions. An avid fan of adventure, Eric loves to travel. He has a deep appreciation for the support of his partner and two wonderful boy cats. ANDREW TERLIZZI (General Manager) has spent almost two decades touring productions worldwide before joining Crossroads Live as Senior General Manager. Highlights of his career include The Wiz, Kinky Boots, The Bodyguard the Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and West Side Story. He is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. KORI PRIOR (Executive Producer) is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience in the global theater and entertainment industry. She has served as the Executive Producer of The Phantom of the Opera International Tour as well as multiple Broadway tours including popular titles such as Annie, Tootsie, The Color Purple and My Fair Lady. She was the Executive Producer for Elf The Musical on Broadway and spent more than two decades producing and supervising productions around the world for Blue Man Group, where she was instrumental in the development and expansion of the brand on five continents. She is thrilled to be working with this incredible team on The Wiz.

STAFF FOR THE WIZ

PRODUCER Crossroads Live North America GENERAL MANAGEMENT Crossroads Live North America Andrew Terlizzi Assistant General Manager ......... Lindsay Weidenfeller PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Crossroads Live North America Gregg Damanti Tour Operations Manager ....... Suzayn MacKenzie-Roy Associate Production Manager................ Drew Neitzey COMPANY MANAGER Brian Cedric Jones ASSISTANT COMPANY MANAGER Jonathan Kwock TOUR MARKETING & PUBLICITY BOND THEATRICAL BondTheatrical.com Temah Higgins Mollie Mann DJ Martin Marc Viscardi Wendy Roberts Jenny Bates MARKETING & PUBLICITY Linda J. Stewart Melissa Cohen, Alexandra De La Cerda, Caroline Frawley, Tony Joy, Steph Kelleher, Harrison Mootoo, Scotland Newton, Elisabeth Reyes, Anne Simendinger, Morgan Sperry, France Jones TOUR BOOKING AGENCY THE BOOKING GROUP Meredith Blair Rich Rundle, Brian Brooks Jonathan Pearson & Maryruth Grabez www.thebookinggroup.com CASTING MURNANE CASTING, CSA Chad Eric Murnane, CSA Amber Snead, CSA Joey Casali Production Stage Manager ... Gloria Bontrager-Thomas Assistant Stage Manager ..............Bruno Diaz Miranda Company Manager ......................... Brian Cedric Jones Assistant Company Manager ............. Jonathan Kwock Associate Scenic Designer ......................... Toni Barton Associate Costume Designer ......................Abby Hahn Assistant Costume Designer ..................... Haley Silver Wig/Hair Coordinator ......................................Liz Printz Make-Up Coordinator .................................Anita Lynch Assistant Hair Coordinator........................... Andii Benn

Associate Sound Designer ........................ John Millerd Associate Keyboard Programmers .........Sam Starobin, Tim Crook, Nick Schenkel Associate Lighting Designer ........................ Natali Arco Moving Light Programmer .......................Jonah Camiel Associate Video Designer ...................... Brittany Bland Video Programmer ..................................... Don Cieslik Lead Animator .....................................Gabriel Aronson Production Electrician ............................ Robert Virzera Production Sound .........................................Mike Deyo Production Video ....................................Daniel Mueller Head Carpenter .......................... Aurelia “Railz” Lyman Flyman ..................................... George Apostolopoulos Head Electrician ......................................Travis Triplett Assistant Electrician ......................... Jennifer Wilbanks Assistant Electrician ............................. Braedan Luong Head Sound............................................Parker Katona Assistant Sound...............................................Imari Hill Head Props.................................................Mak Jordan Assistant Props................................... Brooke Downing Wardrobe Supervisor........................... Nathalie Gibson Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor ......... Edward Ambrose Hair & Make-up Supervisor ......................Bridgit Crider Crew Swing ................................................... Ava Stipe Sub Assistant Stage Manager .................Alyssa Eppler Production Assistant ....................................Isaac Byler Merchandising ................. MerchDot, The Araca Group Merchandise Manager .............................Klevar Mason Videographer .....................................Carrington Spires Photography ...........................................Jeremy Daniel Physical Therapy ...................................NEURO TOUR Physical Therapy, Inc Physical Therapist .................................Johanna Poole Accounting ...................Crossroads Live North America Travel Agency.............................................Road Rebel Trucking ..................................................Clark Transfer FOR CROSSROADS LIVE NORTH AMERICA Chief Executive Officer ..........................Angela Rowles Managing Director ........................ Misha Eady-Harbold Executive Producer .................................Jayna Neagle Executive Producer ........................................Kori Prior Senior Vice President of Finance ...............Brian Jacob Vice President of Marketing…. ......Michael Yuen-Killick Director of Tour Operations .................. Andrew Terlizzi Director of Production ....................... Heather Chockley Technical Director ........................... George ‘Eric’ Perry Director of Booking and Engagements… .... Tyler Soltis Production Manager ............................. Gregg Damanti General Manager........................... Christine Adamczyk Engagement Manager .........................Barrett Newman Tour Operations Manager ……Suzayn MacKenzie-Roy Associate General Manager .......................... Emily Miu Assistant General Manager….. ... Lindsay Weidenfeller Associate Production Manager................ Drew Neitzey Production Accounting Manager............... Sheila Lewis Production Accountant.............................Travis Huebel Staff Accountant .................................... Electra Walker Tour Project Manager .................. Wendy Joy Beckwith Producing Asst./Office Mgr. ............... Andrew Hendrick Humanity Advisor................................ Charisse Fontes

Crossroads Live brings the best-loved titles from Broadway and the West End to audiences around the world. Crossroads Live North America, under the leadership of Angela Rowles, is an innovative, full-service theatrical production company delivering the Broadway experience to North America and beyond. On Broadway: The Lost Boys; Titanique; On tour: The Bodyguard;Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical; Elf The Musical; Kinky Boots; The Wiz. WizMusical.com Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok: @TheWizBway The producers would like to thank the Ohio Department of Development for their support in the creation of this production.

The Director and Choreographer are members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union. Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.). United Scenic Artists represents designers and scenic artists for the American Theatre.

15 • 2026-2027 BU Season

THE CLASS OF 2026-2027

YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Ashton A. Michaela L. New Hartford Senior High School New Hartford Senior High School Jaida A. Temperence L. New Hartford Senior High School Thomas R. Proctor High School Isabella B. Amanda M. Whitesboro High School Sherburne-Earlville High School Savio B. Lorelei M. Town of Webb School Whitesboro High School Lillian N. Skye B. Homeshooled Whitesboro High School Katherine O. Greta B. OHM BOCES P-TECH / Remsen Central School Whitesboro CSD Marinez C. Melinda P. Thomas R. Proctor High School Herkimer Jr./ Sr. High School Isabel C. Sophia R-C. Herkimer Jr./ Sr. High School New York Mills High School Madison C. Arianna R. Thomas R. Proctor High School New Hartford Senior High School Madelyn C. Hannah R. Herkimer Jr./ Sr. High School Whitesboro High School Yelyzaveta D. Syncere R. Frankfort-Schuyler High School Thomas R. Proctor High School Zooey D. Raph S. Oneida High School Thomas R. Proctor High School Gabriella D. Lauren S. OHM BOCES P-TECH / New Hartford Senior High School Whitesboro CSD Ciara S. Amelia F. Hamilton Central School Hamilton Central School Emily S. Lucy H. Remsen Central School Whitesboro High School Haley W. Lillian H. Whitesboro High School Rome Free Academy Araya W. Gavin H. Thomas R. Proctor High School New Hartford Senior High School Alaysaia W. McKennah J. Thomas R. Proctor High School Sherburne-Earlville High School Amber W. Ryker J. Whitesboro High School Hamilton Central School Kara Y. Trunique J. Thomas R. Proctor High School Thomas R. Proctor High School Julia K. New Hartford Senior High School