“The Wiz”, a spin-off of L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” kicked off in San Bernardino Valley College’s (SBVC) Auditorium on November 16 to a sold-out show, and will continue its run through November 19.

The Wiz, written by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, follows Dorothy Gale through her journey into the Land of Oz. SBVC’s production is a testament to the collaborative power of a college play, bringing together SBVC’s Theatre Arts, Dance and Music departments, Student Accessibility Services and the Umoja-Tumaini program. Umoja-Tumaini has been a key collaborator from the beginning said the play’s director, Dr. Melinda Fogle.

“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,” 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!”

The play first opened in 1974 in Baltimore, Maryland to critical and commercial success and launched a successful run on Broadway. In 1978, it was adapted into a film starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross and Richard Pryor and has become a beloved cult classic ever since.

Show information:

What: SBVC’s production of “The Wiz”

When: Nov. 16-18 at 7 p.m., Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

Where: The Auditorium, San Bernardino Valley College

Cost: General Admission: $15.00. Students, Staff, Seniors, Military: $12.00. Children 12 and under: $5.00. Cast & Crew: $8.00.

Accessibility information: American Sign Language interpreters will be providing services during the shows on Nov. 18 and 19.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and advanced purchase is recommended.