South actors ease on down to The Wiz
by Michael Kraft, entertainment editor

    The South Campus theater department is working hard on its show, The Wiz, which begins next week under the direction of Patty McCormick.

    The play is a ’70s version of the classic The Wizard of Oz and features many large, involved dance numbers.

    “Take The Wizard of Oz, throw in some funk, some disco and a little attitude, and you’ve got The Wiz,” Emily Hardy, dancer, said.

    The show is a musical, so singing ability is a must.

    However, some cast members have never acted before.

    “I have done a few operas here at the school, but never a real production where I had lines. It’s a little scary,” Michael Wilborn, the Tin Man, said.

    “This show is more demanding; it requires more energy than the operas I’ve done, but there are some very talented people here, and it’s been great,” he said.

    Djemal Burris returns as the Scarecrow.

    Burris was in the last show, The Innocent’s Crusade, in which he played five characters.

    “I like this show, and I love working with Patty. She’s given us lots of leeway to find our characters, which I personally like,” he said.

    Another Crusade veteran, Allen Randall returns as well.

    Randall, who plays the Cowardly Lion, has never sung or danced before on stage, so this show is a new experience for him.

    “The singing is more challenging, a bit more scary, but the show is fun, and the cast and crew have been great,” he said.

    The character of Dorothy has been given to D’Arcy Monday, who is making her TCC debut in this show.

    This is also her first time to be a lead in a show, and she is truly enjoying her experience.

    “I’ve always wanted to do this show, so to get Dorothy, I am so excited,” she said.

    To choreograph the dance numbers, Joe Berry came aboard.

Berry has worked in the industry for years as a dancer and choreographer.

    “I used to be a student here, and Patty really changed my outlook on acting. I really like her, so when she called, I didn’t hesitate. I just said, ‘When do you need me?’” he said.

    “There is a lot of talent on that stage,” he said. “I’ve been hard on them though because that is going to prepare them for the real world. I’ve always said, ‘You have to be in it to win it.’”

    This is Berry’s last project of the year, and he said he is glad to be a part of The Wiz.

    The show runs Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.

    Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children under 12. TCC students, faculty and staff get in free. For tickets, call the box office at 817-515-44642.