Published: October 23, 2009 10:09 am      

SHOWTIME presenting scenes from ‘The Wiz’ at ECU

Ada — SHOWTIME, East Central University’s musical theater ensemble, will present two performances Tuesday, Oct. 27, of a musical scenes adaptation of “The Wiz” based on the popular 1970s movie.

The performances, part of Homecoming week events, will begin at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. in the Chalmers Herman Theatre in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. Admission is free.

The movie version of “The Wiz” starred Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell and original Broadway star Ted Ross.

The original Broadway production was based on the classic story “The Wizard of Oz,” but with an urban background. Composers include Quincy Jones, Ashford and Simpson, Luther Vandross and Charlie Small.

The best-known songs are “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home,” said SHOWTIME director Patrick Sweet.

SHOWTIME Players in the production include Lacee Elliott as Mrs. M, Leah Creason as Dorothy, Chris Geisler as Crowly/Scarecrow, Derek Reed as T/Tin Man, Ryan Corley as Leo/Cowardly Lion, Lesly Walker as Miss One, Lynette Christy as Glinda, Natalie May as Evillene and Laura Knight as V.

Also Randi Hall, Heath Holt and Lauren Durbin will be crows, and Laura Knight, Lacee Elliott and Kendra Camplain will be the Doowah Girls. The evil monkeys will be Heath Holt, Kendra Camplain, Randi Hall and Lauren Durbin.

Randi Hall, Heath Holt, Lacee Elliott, Laura Knight, Lauren Durbin and Kendra Camplain also have roles as Munchkins/Ozzies.