Outside reading/art assignment: The Wiz

Over Thanksgiving, me and my family went to our local community center and watched a adapted version of the Wizard of Oz called The Wiz. In summary, Dorothy, who is a twenty-four-year-old kindergarten teacher born, raised, and still working in Harlem, is celebrating Thanksgiving with her extended family, but she doesn't seem to be thankful for much in life. She lives a self-imposed sheltered life; she is shy and unfulfilled. Things change for her when she is caught in a snowstorm while chasing after her dog, Toto. They are transported to the mysterious Land of Oz, where she is informed that the only possible way to find her way back home is through the assistance of the powerful wizard in the Emerald City. As she goes searching for him, she befriends some creatures who are facing problems in life just like her. In their quest to find and get help from the wizard, they also face Evillene, the equally evil sister of Evermean, the wicked witch whom Dorothy inadvertently killed when she arrived in Oz, and who may be their biggest obstacle in achieving their goals. My favorite character throughout the whole play was Lionel the cowardly lion. not only was the actor's lines superb, but the sound that he made when he shrieked was to die for when Toto barked at him. The lighting might not have been that great but for a community based show the props/scenes were incredible. I cannot not wait until next year's production.