playbill vip

Mr. Owens, Director "The Wiz"

Good evening, and welcome to the Pike Performing Arts Center! We are very privileged to have such a space for our high school students to perform in. They have been working very hard since August to bring you tonight’s performance of THE WIZ!

THE WIZ, based on The Wizard of Oz book series by L. Frank Baum, first opened on Broadway with the official title The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” on January 5, 1975 and ran for four years. It was an instant classic and multiple Tony Award winning production, leading to the 1978 film that many of us know and love. 

This is the first production of THE WIZ that I’ve ever been a part of, although I have some experience in Oz as I played The Tin Man in my high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. I chose The Wiz as this year’s musical because I wanted to try something new, but also because I know that this is a timeless story that many generations have grown up with. The Wiz’s music and modern, urban sensibility speaks to audiences today in a way that some other Oz-inspired material may not. 

I think I can speak on behalf of all of the Performing Arts Department when I say “thank you” for coming to support live theatre in our school and your community. You also have a role in this production–audience member! As such, you are an integral part of our show and the viability of our program here at Pike High School. Thank you, and enjoy the show!

Pike High School Administration

Mr. Jeremy Wolley, Principal

Mr. R.J. Cialdella, Asst. Principal

Mr. Ben Csikos, Asst. Principal

Ms. Trachell Taylor, Asst. Principal

Ms. Brea Williams, Asst. Principal

Mr. Marcus Evans, Asst. Principal

Ms. Tonia Huckleberry, Dean

Ms. Hillary Zortman, Director, Pike Career Ctr.