The Wiz at Theatre At The Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...All in all, Flaster's show gets the most crucial thing right: the tone. This is a happy, empowering, embraceable affair that pays homage to the show's history of providing an emotional link between urban, black America and the story of a rural, white town. And it laughs at itself."

Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended

"...Director/Choreographer Stacey Flaster has infused nearly every moment of The Wiz with unbounded joy. Many years ago, the national touring production of Vinnette Carroll’s Your Arms Too Short to Box with God ran TV and radio spots that said something like, “So much singing, so much dancing, so much all out joy, you’ll be dancing in the aisles.” As a director, Flaster seems to have made that line of old ad copy her mantra. Her Jesus Christ Superstar last summer at Theatre at the Center and even her Nunset Boulevard earlier this year radiated joy out from the stage and into the hearts of the audience. As The Wiz depends on joy to keep it afloat, it is the perfect showboat for Flaster to steer."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...For the first time, I’ve enjoyed a production of The Wiz. Stacy Flaster’s vision and her cast’s clarity become truthful performances made for a fun, toe-tapping journey.  Somehow, Flaster got the funky material to become a fine show – with loads of heart (including one for Tinman!). Get to Munster to experience the  re-birth of musical."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Musical Director William A. Underwood and his five member orchestra definitely have their groove on though, and the score is one of the welcome assets that have always made "The Wiz" feel like home to me.  In spite of a few clouds, Theatre at the Center's brightly colored and tuneful trip over the rainbow is well worth the taking."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended

"... The foursome sing, dance, and tease like real friends on a road trip. Well, maybe more like real - AND TALENTED - friends. The entire ensemble is like a group of pals that are playing make-believe together. They radiate a true sense of fun. Each musical number brings tireless animation. At my show, there seemed like there was an audio issue on ‘Brand New Day.‘ I wasn’t sure if the orchestra was too loud, the singing too soft or the cast too tired. The song, especially for its content, just didn’t have the exuberance of the rest of the show."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Vasily Deris,Marlon Washington, James Osborne, Chris Carter, N’Jameh Camara, Joelle Lamarre, Rebecca Pink, Reneisha Jone’ne Jenkins( who is also a part of the Yellow Brick Road duo), Danielle Davis and  John Pierce Taylor(the other part of the Yellow Brick road duo). These talented young people change characters and costumes on a regular basis and never miss a cue or a beat- they are the backbone of the musical, so I salute the ensemble- BRAVO!  Th’s is a wild evening of theater allowing us to use our knowledge of a classic tales and see it  transformed into a lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul music."