Left to right: Camryn Stevens, Jhu Maani Chess, Samuel Rodriguez, Miracle Massi, Alexander Cabrera, Michael A. Daniels perform onstage in The Wiz.

The San Bernardino Valley College theatre department has a long-standing reputation for producing quality performances, and this Fall’s production of The Wiz is no exception. The production is a result of collaboration across multiple SBVC departments and programs, as well as the local community. “This is the largest and most elaborate SBVC theatrical production in recent memory, with a cast of 40 actors, 10 costume designers, 10 technical crew members and a large team of faculty and staff,” Director Melinda Fogle said. “The cast includes actors of all ages from local elementary school students, middle schoolers and college-age students to a couple of canines!”

 

SBVC’s Umoja-Tumaini program played a significant part in bringing The Wiz to the stage. “The Wiz production was presented by Umoja, who initiated the collaboration with our theater department after years of trying. Umoja Counselor, Dr. Daniele Smith-Morton and CalWorks Counselor, Leslie Gregory also had a hand in casting, purchasing materials and approving costumes and songs. The larger hand that our counterparts and I played in the production has been to make sure it was culturally correct with respect to the original production and film,” stated Umoja Coordinator Frederick Jones.

 

The Wiz opened to a sold-out show on November 16. Outreach Coordinator Justine Plemons summed up the excitement of the evening. “This fall semester the Outreach Department partnered with Arts and Humanities to showcase Opening Night of The Wiz on November 16. Refreshments were served to guests, the cast, and crew before the doors opened. The auditorium was transformed for the evening. Over 300 people were in awe as our students took the stage. Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to support opening night. It was a privilege to showcase our talented students and faculty.”