Brian Jordan Jr., who plays Maurice Web on Tyler Perry’s popular BET series Sistas, is set to direct and choreograph the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz at True Colors Theatre Company.
The brand-new production will run June 16-July 2, with previews beginning June 13.
“I couldn’t be more excited to make my True Colors directorial debut with such an iconic work that means so much and is so deeply rooted in Black culture,” Jordan said. “Our fresh, new production will be the final regional production of the musical before it embarks on its pre-Broadway tour and its first-ever revival on Broadway in 40 years. I am honored to walk in the footsteps of Kenny Leon, a personal hero of mine and so grateful that True Colors artistic director, Jamil Jude has chosen me to bring this iconic musical to life in a brand new way as a part of their 20th anniversary celebration.”
With a book by William F. Brown and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, The Wiz opened on Broadway in 1974, a new take on the Wizard of Oz thanks to an iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and finger-snapping ’70s funk.
The show was a staple of True Colors’ early years with Kenny Leon, True Colors’ co-founder and artistic director emeritus having directed it four consecutive years, 2004-2007.
“I am pleased that Brian and Jamil will feature an all-Atlanta cast as they honor the history and illuminate the power of True Colors’ artistic excellence in Black storytelling,” he said.
For more information, visit TrueColorsTheatre.org.
PHOTO: Brian Jordan Jr. will direct The Wiz.
