This weekend, we saw THE WIZ JR, the LAST TCT MainStage show of the 21-22 season. It is packed with Broadway influence in artistry with both the Director and the Choreographer bringing Broadway experience.
The costumes were showstoppers! Dr. Daryl Harris from NKU School of the Arts absolutely knocked it out of the park. The Emerald City scene really came to life with the costumes and the set design. It was electric!
But there is not doubt that the mean old cowardly lion absolutely stole the show. He came out fabulously fierce and we all erupted with laughter. That is one cool cat who found his courage within and made us all smile along the way.
New To The Children’s Theatre
This was not your typical Children’s Theatre production. My kids noticed that the cast is predominately adults which I’m guessing is due to the technical skills required for vocals of the songs. And there were live backup singers in the Orchestra box which offered a very cool element, making it feel very authentic. It truly is The Wiz, packed into the a 60 minute show and it goes by FAST!
The storm where Dorothy is swept away is creatively set as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. That was a bit of a scary moment for my 5 year old, but as she saw the ‘storm’ people dancing, she felt more at ease.
There’s a slow build at the beginning as Dorothy picks up her friends to travel to Oz. First we meet the Scarecrow, then the Tin Man and then BAM, things really picked up when the Lion came on stage.
“Ease On Down The Road” to grab your tickets to the show before they sell out! THE WIZ JR., is performed in the historic Taft Theatre, at 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/the-wiz-jr/ for tickets.
See THE WIZ JR at The Taft Theatre
WHEN: Now thru April 11, 2022
WHERE: The Taft Theatre, 317 E 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
RUN TIME: 60-minute
AGE 4+, K-8
TICKETS: $10 – $50 each
The sensory-friendly performance of THE WIZ JR. on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 PM is intended for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as children (and adults) with other special needs who may benefit. To create a sensory-friendly performance, the show is performed in a welcoming, supportive environment for those with sensory challenges. Slight adjustments to lighting and sound are made, and effects such as fog, strobes, and lights that extend into the audience are minimized.
Regular subscriptions for the 22-23 MainStage Season are on sale now and start at just $43. All subscriptions and single tickets remain refundable during the pandemic if you are unable to attend due to COVID-19. Find out more about subscribing at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/subscribe/.
Haven’t been to a performance yet? Check out my blog: 6 Reasons to Take Your Family to See a Show from The Childrenās Theatre of Cincinnati.
