As Jamil Jude, the artistic director of True Colors Theatre Company, and the cast and crew of his new version of The Wiz ease on down the road to opening night, it’s clear that this is more than just a stand-alone production. It’s also very much a statement that the playhouse is back post-pandemic, ready for audiences and psyched to celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary season.
Running June 13 – July 2 at Southwest Arts Center, the musical is directed by Brian Jordan Jr., who plays Maurice Webb on BET’s Tyler Perry’s Sistas. The cast and crew are all local, with Jeshua TedyP Williams, known for his work in gospel, hip-hop and R&B, acting as the show’s music producer.
Taloria Merricks, a former August Wilson Monologue competition champion, plays Dorothy. It’s a dream role for the actress, who is aware of the musical’s significance. “I am honored to be a part of this history and legacy,” she says. “It’s important to embrace Black culture and stories, which don’t get told that much. I think The Wiz is a story of hope and believing in yourself, and I think it will impact a lot of people.”
True Colors staged productions of The Wiz four other times from 2004 – 2007 with artists such as The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango and performer Victor Jackson. Jude calls it both a True Colors and an Atlanta institution due to its frequent stagings and warm audience reception. Accordingly, he wanted to make the 2023 production a celebration of everything in the city. Director Jordan has asked everyone, including Williams and scenic designers Moriah & Isabel Curley-Clay, to make this as Atlanta-specific as possible.
“If you love the city of Atlanta, you are going to love this production,” says Jude. “If you love The Wiz, you are going to love this. There is no better way to reclaim what the city of Atlanta means, what True Colors means [and]…
Read the full article here
