Northrop Dance at the University of Minnesota Presents THE WHIZ 5/8

Northrop Dance at the University of Minnesota presents Nicholas Leichter Dance with Monstah Black at Intermedia Arts, presented in collaboration with Bedlam Theatre and Intermedia Arts, May 4-8 (times vary). Featuring choreography by New York City-based Leichter and a commissioned score by infamous club performer Black with added musical selections, THE WHIZ: MONEYAPOLIS is a full-spectrum original theatrical extravaganza of song and dance inspired by the movie musical, The Wiz. Delivering a little taste of everything including funk, postmodern, cabaret, hip-hop, drag, house, and psychedelic, Nicholas Leichter Dance traverses a landscape filled with hopes, dream, fears, and home.

Nicholas Leichter is working with several local artists who feature several surprises during the performances: Shannon Blowtorch, Kenna-Camera Cottman, Mad King Thomas (with a re-imagine of their infamous polar bear dance), Jeffry Lusiak, and The Real Hauswives of Hennepin County! The legendary Cee Cee Russell will perform her tribute to Diana Ross, as will the stunning dancer and choreographer Leah Nelson. U of M student dancers Mette Towley, Jose Bueno, Elly Hollenhorst, and Bailey Anderson will perform a special section choreographed by Leichter.

One hour before each show, Bedlam's Club OZ will be open for preshow socializin' in the Intermedia Arts lobby. Come early and stay late for sparkly refreshments, special guests, and a good witch remix spun LIVE by BLOWTORCH!

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCES

Northrop Dance Presents

Nicholas Leichter Dance with Monstah Black

THE WHIZ: MONEYAPOLIS

Presented by Northrop Dance in collaboration with Bedlam Theatre and Intermedia Arts

Performances held at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis

Sun, May 8, 7:00 pm

Tickets: $27 through the Northrop website or the U of M Tickets and Events Office only at 612-624-2345.

PROGRAM

Choreography and Co-Direction: Nicholas Leichter
Adapted Score and Co-Direction: Monstah Black
Lighting Design: Erik C. Bruce
Producing Director: Brian McCormick
Additional Choreography and Sound: Wendell Cooper
Costumes: Monstah Black, nldnyc, Susan Soetart
Additional Music: Missy Elliot, Jazmine Sullivan, Faith Evans, Soho, The Time
Cast: Lauren Basco, Monstah Black, Wendell Cooper, Aaron Draper, Renuka Hines, Nicholas Leichter, Dawn Robinson, Laurie Taylor, Keon Thoulouis

The W-H-I-Z
The Feeling That We Have
Can I Go On?
Lick Shots
Lions, Tigers and Bears
Soon As I Get Home
O E O
U Can't Win
Ease On Down The Road
If Only I Could Feel
Slide Some Oil
Eye of the Tiger/Mean Ol' Lion
Papi's Paradise Remix
Specimen & The Flying Monkeys
Nature Boy Live
Emerald City Dance Sequence
Is this what feeling gets?
Wicked
Brand New Day/The Bird Remix
Lena
Home

THE WHIZ was commissioned by DanceNOW [NYC] in partnership with Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, and Abrons Arts Center • Henry Street Settlement, with additional commissioning support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and supported through creative residencies at Dickinson College, Muhlenberg College, Hollins University, and Topaz Arts. The score for THE WHIZ was commissioned by the American Music Center Live Music for Dance Program.

THE WHIZ was funded by New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) through the National Dance Project (NDP) with generous support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the MetLife Community Connections Fund of the MetLife Foundation. Funds to underwrite the general operating support associated with this project were generously provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funding for THE WHIZ was provided by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

MUSIC CREDITS
All music by Monstah Black except where noted.

Selections from "The Wiz: Original Soundtrack" (1978 Film)

(I'm A) Mean Ole Lion by Charlie Smalls

Emerald City Dance Sequence by Quincy Jones

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