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IV/UAUU1VUIU9wistfully presented. She was speaking honestly when she f said she lacked the essentialinto two interesting and important topics: 1) How can Barnard produce wellrelationship with Barnard. What was most striking about the majority of students waschannels. Another source of tension in the system is theBrown's Black Humor is a Whiz of a Wizard of Ozby Karen BivensThrough the pen of author William F. Brown, underscored by the music and lyrics of Charlie Small, the perennial classic, The Wizard of Oz, has been updated, renovated, and given color. It has become The Wiz.This black musical version of the classic does not seriously alter the original story-line; it is the injection of humor which begins to make the difference. Take for instance the absent-minded Good Witch of the North who can’t quite get her thing together (but whose sister, the Good Witch of the North, definitely has everything in tact), or tbe -effeminate Munchkin, or the Wiz (the wizard) whose white platform shoes and suit1 can compete with the mosi flamboyant street brother. And certainly not to be forgotten is Lion who sells more wolf tickets” than he can handle. However, even under this infusion 'Of humor and subtle sexual innuendoes, th? musicalretains that nostalgic, dreamlike fantasy which allows it to appeal to children as welll as adults.Much of this is accomplished by the superior job of costume designing onthe part of Geoffry Holder. His use of bright vibrant colors is accented by Tom H. John’s extraordinary set design. In several scenes, especially the ones depicting the Tornado and EmeraldCity, the two artists have combined their talents to create effects which engulf the audience in spellbinding marvel. #In the area of music and choreography, again, there is an uncanny coordination of sound and music that denotes talent. It is the talent of George Faison, choreographer,^nd a blend of brilliant dancers. For this reason, when the Witched Witch of the West releases her winged monkeys, there is no doubt—they do fly.The cast of The Wiz, a mixture of youthful and seasoned actors, communicate excitement and electricity which is delightfully infectious. Fifteen year old Stephanie Mills stars as Dorothy. Age is no drawback for her. From Stephanie’s beginnings in the Cornerstone Baptist Church choir to her appearance in the Broadway musical production of Maggie Flynn and Off-Broadway performances with the Negro Ensemble Company and with Ben Vereen in Piece of Actionshe has been groomed perfectly for the part of Dorothy.The appropriateness of the rest of the show’s casting is no less adequate. There is Clarice Taylor (whose career is too full to capsulize) starring as Addepearle and Ted Ross, who seems to have an affinity for hits (he appeared in Broadway’s Purlie and in Raisin which he left to join The Wiz), performing the part of the cowardly lion. Beyond this, there is Dee Dee Bridgewater, proclaimed by Downbeat Magazine Vocalist of the Year for 1972 and 74, and chosen to do the soundtrack of the movie Coffee, playing the role of Glinda in The Wiz. The ability of the rest of the cast is of the same caliber.Ray Bolger, the original tinman in the Wizard of OZ, said his only regret of this f pcrfbrn sce of The Wiz is that Judy Garland and Burt Lair could not be present to view it. I say, Ease on down, ease down. . .** 4o the Majestic Theatre and take part in a beautiful experience.Fefowuy 30,1975-4BARNARD BGIXEHN—7
Newspaper Details
Barnard Bulletin
New York, New York, US
Thu, Feb 20, 1975
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Jarret G.
AU 06 Feb 2024
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