Press Release

The Wonderful Wizard of Was Plays The Stanley Theatre

For the Good Inc. and the youth of Utica and Cornhill in particular, are joining forces with The Stanley Center for the Arts to bring The Wonderful Wizard of Was to the newly renovated world stage August 22 and 23, 2008.

This parody of Frank Baum’s children’s classic, written by Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, features the most memorable songs from The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz. The play tells the story of the young Utican, Dorothy, who prefers to be called DJ, seeking to rid her neighborhood of drugs and violence and restore life to the way it “Was.”

With an, urban theme of challenge in the streets, The Tornado is Cornhill, Utica’s ghetto, and DJ, along with her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lioness, find that working together from their inner most selves is the answer to their problems, despite the villain, the Wicked Witch of West Street’s efforts to grab DJ’s “magic cap of red” to go with her own ruby slippers.

Doris Yager, originator of the famed Rhythmlites, joins Harris-Lockwood as associate producer, bringing with her years of producing, directing and choreography experience. Local actor, singer and dancer T.K. Howard, who originated the role of the Mohawk Medicine Man, will be directing the production, along with Hamilton College professor of music, Dr. Michael Woods, with hundreds of musicals under his belt, as the musical director.

During a recent press conference, Harris-Lockwood explained how more than 100 area kids, teens and adults will be utilized to re-capture the pride and excitement generated during the original staged production from 1994-1997. With an updated script, enhanced music, choreography and the chance to perform at the nationally renowned Stanley Theatre, this previously performed production, which has received rave reviews, will showcase what dreams are really made of.

Auditions began June 30 and rehearsals are scheduled to run throughout the summer for this, as Cassandra Harris-Lockwood called it, “baby Broadway” in regards to the wide variety of talent being showcased in central New York. Harris-Lockwood, President and CEO of For the Good Inc., also states, “With the wonderful new Stanley Center for the Arts we have an unparalleled showcase for the local community as well as the finest in professional talent. It seemed to be the right moment for reinstituting a Theatre Arts Program which will develop in the residents of our community the skills needed for presenting quality productions, and supporting the word of the Stanley, the Turning Stone, Glimmerglass Opera and other festivals in central New York.”

Columnist Tim Chavez has written in the Utica Observer Dispatch about Harris-Lockwood’s earlier production explaining, “I’ve seen Carmen at the Stanley and Les Miserables in New York City. But never was my money more well spent. More than buying entertainment, I felt I was investing in the future of people. The kids learned to make sets, design costumes, dance, sing, learn lines and practice, practice, practice – all toward being part of something positive and larger than themselves. These are the lessons that build leaders and communities. These also are the lessons that can save young lives….It is something our community should look forward to and….supporting.”

The Wonderful Wizard of Was will be performed Friday and Saturday August 22 and 23 at 8pm. Reserved seat tickets, priced at $15 each, are now on sale at the Stanley Ticket office, 724 – 4000 or online at www.stanleytheatre.net.

An undertaking of this magnitude will require the financial support of the community. For the Good Inc., founded in 2002, is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) New York corporation organized to foster community development in the city of Utica; and, in particular, positive youth development, life skills, employment, wellness, culture, the arts and education with special emphasis on peace, justice and the city’s low-income residents and their neighborhoods. For the Good Inc. publishes the Utica Phoenix, operates the tutoring and mentoring program, the Study Buddy Club as well; as well as the Mohawk Valley Constructors’ Guild and also supports the King of Kings Basketball League.

Please contact For the Good Inc. at 315.797.2417 for information, to offer assistance or to make a contribution.