OFC Creations has announced a new residency at The Lyric Theater kicking off with a production of “The Wiz” the Musical. Under the leadership of Eric Vaughn Johnson, executive director, OFC Creations (Opportunities For Creativity) was founded in 2005 to give adults and students an opportunity to push their creative limits.
“The Wiz” features a cast of 36 students ages 10 to 18 from across Rochester. Many of the cast members are Rochester City School students, for whom this is their first experience in performing arts.
“We wanted to offer our students a chance to experience a show not typically done in the Rochester community,” said Johnson, OFC executive director.
In this adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s magical novel, “The Wiz” follows Dorothy as she is whisked away by a tornado to the fanciful land of Oz. There, she and her sidekicks encounter Munchkins, flying monkeys and a power-hungry witch named Evillene who vows to destroy them.
“The Wiz” is the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The score features soul, gospel, R&B, and pop while telling a classic story in new light. The production is under the direction of Hector Manuel and Sable Stewart, both frequent OFC performers.
Performances will be held Friday, November 30 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 1 at 2 and 6 p.m. at The Lyric Theater, 440 East Avenue, Rochester. Tickets are $12 and are available online at www.OfcCreations.com or at all area Wegmans.
Students can now enroll in OFC Creations winter 2019 offerings. Classes will include “Snow White” for preschool students ages 4 to 7, “The Jungle Book” and “Experiencing Disney Magic” for new performers ages 7 to 11, and “RENT: School Edition” for teens ages 11 to 18. For information or class registration, call 667-0954 or visit www.ofccreations.com.
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