CINCINNATI — The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has been affecting young lives with creative performances for more than 100 years. On April 2 that trend continues with their production of The Wiz Jr.

What You Need To Know

  • The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of The Wiz Jr. opens on Saturday, April 2 at Taft Theatre

  • The production will be directed by Zhailon Levingston who was the youngest Black Broadway producer ever

  • He is coming to Cincinnati to lead a staging team comprising people of color, and a cast of local performers

“The Wiz is a more modern, contemporary twist on The Wizard of Oz,” said director Zhailon Levingston. “It’s the story you know and love with a little more seasoning.”

Levingston is the youngest Black Broadway director in history, coming to Cincinnati to lead a staging team comprising people of color, and a cast of local performers.

“What’s so exciting about being in Cincinnati is the property is already there,” said Levingston. “So much of our time is just about interpreting what already works, adding our own flavor to the mix, and really trying to have as much fun as possible.”

TCT brings The Wiz to the stage with a twist to its original script, moving the setting to Louisiana for part of the show.

“When it comes to the dance, there’s African movement, modern movement, some street jazz, and a lot of storytelling,” said choreographer Tislarm Bouie. “There is some of everything and audiences are going to have a great time watching it.”

Since its launch in the early 1900s TCT has made it its mission to entertain and engage audiences through professional theatre and arts education programming. With their upcoming production of The Wiz, Levingston hopes to have an even greater impact.

“I hope they see this piece of theatre and say oh my gosh when’s the next show,” said Levingston. “I just hope that it becomes a family affair because the theatre is not just about one person but about bringing the community together to make a larger community in a hope that they leave the theatre changed in some way.”

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of The Wiz Jr. opens on Saturday, April 2 at Taft Theatre.

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