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Elevation Dance Studio to feature local production of “The Wiz”

Audrey Dwyer
Todd Danielson, The Wiz, rehearses a scene with Allison Famulare (scarecrow), Jolie Waldman (Dorothy) and Soleil Nelson (Toto) during a dress rehearsal for The Wiz Wednesday evening. Members if Elevation Dance Studio will bring the show to the stage at the Steamboat Springs High School this weekend with 6 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday evening.
John F. Russell

If You Go...

What: Elevation Dance Studio presents “The Wiz”

When: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Steamboat Springs High School Auditorium (45 Maple Street)

Tickets: $25 for reserved premium seats, $20 for reserved adults, $15 for kids ages 10 and under. Those can be purchased online at http://www.tututix.com/e... or by calling 855-222-2849.

— This weekend, Elevation Dance Studio is stepping outside its comfort zone to present a new kind of production to the community.

On Friday and Saturday, the Steamboat Springs High School auditorium will be transformed into the Land of Oz, which was depicted as an alternative, fantasy version of New York City in the 1974 Broadway musical and 1978 film, “The Wiz.”

The local production will begin at 6 p.m. both nights, with doors opening at 5:30.



Olivia Satkiewicz playing the part of Glenda, shares the stage with Jolie Waldman (Dorothy) and Soleil Nelson (Toto) during a rehearsal for The Wiz, which will take center stage at the Steamboat Springs High School this weekend. Members if Elevation Dance Studio will bring the show to the stage at the Steamboat Springs High School this weekend with 6 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday evening. For the complete story see look inside today’s Explore.John F. RussellElla Chapman plays the part of the Lion while rehearsing for The Wiz, which will take center stage at the Steamboat Springs High School this weekend. Members if Elevation Dance Studio will bring the show to the stage at the Steamboat Springs High School this weekend with 6 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday evening. For the complete story see look inside today’s Explore.John F. Russell

If You Go…

What: Elevation Dance Studio presents “The Wiz”

When: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)



Where: Steamboat Springs High School Auditorium (45 Maple Street)

Tickets: $25 for reserved premium seats, $20 for reserved adults, $15 for kids ages 10 and under. Those can be purchased online at http://www.tututix.com/e… or by calling 855-222-2849.

As an urbanized retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the musical is being produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Music and lyrics are by Charlie Smalls, and the original choreography was created by five local dancers.

“When I was a kid, I could identify to the film and the music, especially the music. It’s outstanding,” said Solange Guenier-Chambers, who is directing the local production and will also portray Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. “The music is what inspired me from day one.”

Adapted from the musical and film, the latter of which starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, the local production of the “The Wiz” follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy 24-year-old from Harlem, New York, who is magically transported to the Land of Oz, where she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. Throughout the story, Dorothy traverses the city in search of the mysterious Wiz, who characters such as the Munchkins, Winkies and Poppies say is the one person in the city powerful enough to help her get back home.

“I’ve never done anything like this, but I wanted to be part of it, because it’s a perfect opportunity to try something new,” said Allie Famulare, a local dancer who plays the Scarecrow. “It’s been really fun working with Solange and learning from her.”

Set to musical numbers including “Ease on Down the Road,” “Brand New Day” and “No Bad News,” the variety of dance styles includes contemporary, jazz, locking as a form of hip hop, ballet and Broadway jazz.

“We’ve never done anything like this before with singing and acting,” said Renee Fleischer, producer.” “It’s been different doing this production, but we wanted to do something different and get out of our comfort zone.”

Entailing countless hours of rehearsals, which began in September, Guenier-Chambers said the local production of “The Wiz” showcases the versatility of the performers, who have the ability to transition from dancing to acting to singing and back to dancing.

“I had a vinyl of “The Wiz” at home, and to be able to bring this show on stage with children we have been sharing stage time with for four years is definitely a great achievement,” Guenier-Chambers said. “It’s amazing to see it all coming together. These kids have worked so hard. They’ve been incredible, and I hope people leave with big smiles on their faces, proud of the kids in this community and what they are able to do.”

Tickets for the production are $25 for reserved premium seats, $20 for reserved adults and $15 for children 10 and younger. They can be purchased online at tututix.com/elevationdancestudioco or by calling 855-222-2849.

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@ExploreSteamboat.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1


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