Aurora Theatre kicks off its milestone 30th Anniversary Season with a milestone of its own - the 50th Anniversary of the beloved Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz. Running August 14 - September 7, 2025, this bold reimagining of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz infuses the classic tale with the heart and soul of Black culture through electrifying R&B, gospel, and soul.
Under the direction of Marlon Burnley, with choreography by Akeem Edwards and music direction by Aurora Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence, The Wiz launches a celebratory season of storytelling, joy, and community at Aurora Theatre.
Mona Swain stars as Dorothy, bringing a fresh, heartfelt presence and stunning vocals to the stage. Swain has toured nationally as Tina Turner in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical and appeared in War Paint, Let’s Hang On, and She Loves Me. Aurora audiences will remember her from previous performances in Donna Summer and Christmas Canteen. In addition to her stage work, audiences may also recognize her from her viral online presence - Swain has amassed more than 2 million followers on TikTok thanks to her charismatic performances and engaging behind-the-scenes videos.
The cast also features Russell Alexander as the Scarecrow, Lawrence Flowers as the Tinman, Marcus Hopkins-Turner as the Lion, Brad Raymond as The Wiz, India Tyree as Evilline, Candy McLellan as Addaperle, and Daja M. Rice as Glinda and Aunt Em. And of course… Ruff Alexander as Toto.
The Wiz
August 14 – September 7, 2025
Lawrenceville Arts Center – Mainstage
Tickets and info: www.auroratheatre.com | 678.226.6222
