An upcoming screening in the enduringly popular “Movies By Moonlight” drive-in series won’t be taking place outdoors, but audiences will still be able to see a star no matter what the weather decides to do.
At the Morton Theatre on Feb. 5, the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will host a free showing of the classic 1978 musical “The Wiz” that will include a a presentation by Lydia Mitchell, a featured dancer in the film. The Morton’s doors will open at 3 p.m., and a discussion with Mitchell will be moderated by Dr. Freda Scott Giles, a professor in the University of Georgia Department of Theatre and Film Studies and African American Studies. The film will start at 4 p.m.
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A retelling of L. Frank Baum’s original novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” on which the famed 1939 movie version was based, “The Wiz” started out as a Broadway play in 1974 that adapted the book in the context of contemporary African-American culture. The groundbreaking musical won seven Tony Awards and was made into a film four years later through a joint venture between Universal Studios and Motown Productions with music supervised by Quincy Jones.
The all-star cast of “The Wiz” includes Diana Ross as Dorothy, Nipsey Rusell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion and Michael Jackson in his big screen debut as the Scarecrow. Richard Pryor, Lena Horne, Mabel King, Thelma Carpenter and Theresa Merritt play unforgettable supporting roles. Four-time Oscar nominee Sidney Lumet served as director, and the songs were written by Charlie Smalls and Luther Vandross.
The Morton Theatre is located at 195 W. Washington St. Popcorn and bottled water will be available for purchase.
“The Wiz” program is free of charge and open to the public, but children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required, and downtown Athens parking decks and street metered parking is free on Sundays.
Call (706) 613-3770 or visit accgov.com/leisure for additional information.
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