playbill vip

Hello!

First and foremost, I would like to share my gratitude for your presence. The students of Arts High School need your continued support as a community to foster and nurture their dreams!

We chose THE WIZ because it's not only a known title for the community of Newark, but it's a vehicle for discussion on what Black Theater is, and the importance of minority stories. The themes in THE WIZ are often overshadowed by slapstick humor, costumes and spectacle. However, THE WIZ is a coming of age story; one that is filled with imagery of traumas that are experienced by the Black community and other POCs. The main theme that will be explored is the great black migration from rural south to urban north.

In our production, we will emphasize the musical numbers and use them to bring attention to the struggles faced by the characters. The musical numbers will serve as a way to highlight the joys, challenges and triumphs of this journey. I have approached each character that Dorothy meets in the production as a representation of iconic performers across the decades. Our interpretation of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, The Wiz and others will pay homage to these trailblazing performers and the impact they have had on Black culture and history.

I am confident that with your support, our production of THE WIZ will be a powerful and moving theatrical experience. I invite you to join us for this exciting journey and to be a part of our celebration of the power of African American culture.

I hope that this new twist on the classic story will not only entertain, but also educate and inspire audiences to celebrate the richness and diversity of Black culture.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely, 

Gregory Omar Osborne 

Founder/ Artistic Director 

Progressive Theater