Friday, March 31, 2017

Eric Conway: Morgan State University’s production of The Wiz has begun! Today we opened our doors up to a near sold-out house for our 10AM morning performance















Dr. Eric Conway writes:

Hello All,

Morgan State University’s production of The Wiz  has begun!  Today we opened our doors up to a near sold-out house for our 10AM morning performance. We always have one show at a morning time during the week for students to enjoy our productions.

I must say that this show is more spectacular than I imagined!  This production was the Department of Fine and Performing Arts' contribution to the Sesquicentennial celebration at Morgan.  Our production is extra special in that there are several subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to Morgan State culture built into it:  
  • images of Morgan’s building appear in background, with a subliminal message of your alma mater being a "home," of sorts.  
  • Dorothy's outfit!  You need to check out the coveted shoes (hint:  they are not red)!
  • the tornado scene flashes images of Morgan faculty who have already gone on to Glory.  
  • Scarecrow receives his brain power from stuffing his costume with a box of cereal with President David Wilson’s face on the box!  
As you might imagine:  this show is FUN for everyone; but it is also poignant for those of us who love Morgan! 
You'll want to see this show!  The huge set is brilliant and perfectly supports the activity on stage.  Like a Broadway musical, all the voices are mic’d well so that you hear every word of every song...the orchestra sounds like a Broadway pit orchestra...the costumes are outstanding!   I am proud to say, without a doubt, this is  absolutely the best Fine and Performing Arts production ever!  

Gilliam Concert Hall is a beautiful setting for this centerpiece of MSU's Sesquicentennial celebration!    All seats are $30 general admission (with discounts for seniors, students and children).  Arrive early to pick your seats because The Wiz is an open seating event — which means the earlier to arrive, the better seat you will have! 

To whet your appetite for the magic and spectacle of this show, I have attached two links to excerpts from today’s matinee.  Please take in two signature songs from the production.  I have also attached several photos from the show to give you a glance at the quality of the production.   

The show times are:  Friday, March 31st, 2017 - Opening Night with a small reception and cameo appearance by André De Shields the original Wiz on Broadway; Saturday, April 1, 2017, 2:00 PM Matinee and 7:30 PM show; Sunday, April 2, 2017, 3PM show.  

Come on! Ease on Down....  See you at the show!

Eric  

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Eric Conway, D.M.A.
Fine and Performing Arts Department, Chair
Morgan State University
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center, Room 329C
Baltimore, MD 21251

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