SAN DIEGO – Urban Pride-San Diego, along with Common Ground Theatre (CGT), in collaboration with SDCCD Continuing Education Division, will host a special Friends of Dorothy – LGBT Night” for the production of The Wiz Dec.12 at 7 p.m. at The Educational Cultural Complex in San Diego. This iconic musical, with the book by William F. Brown and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, is adapted from the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
“The term Friends of Dorothy was a euphemism used for discussing sexual orientation without others knowing its meaning,” Charles W. Patmon Jr., Urban Pride-San Diego’s director said.
“CGT, as well as the San Diego theater community, is widely acknowledged as an open and affirming environment, and we want to use this night to celebrate and encourage all to enjoy the very best in the arts. We encourage patrons to come dressed as their favorite character and sing along with the cast,“ said Patmon, who is also the show’s director.
Urban Pride-San Diego is a social service and community-based organization focused on promoting positive images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender urban communities of San Diego through educational and enrichment activities. They recognized the uniqueness and cultural diversity and are committed to empowering LGBT individuals and families, as well as the LGBT community at large.
The Wiz tells the story of Dorothy, a troubled teen who is miraculously whisked away from her mundane real life to an urban fantasyland called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East, Dorothy is told about the Wiz who can help her get back home. As Dorothy goes searching, she’s joined by the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, all searching for a piece of salvation that is within us all.
Starring as Dorothy in CGT’s production of The Wiz is NBC’s The Voice alum, Timyra Joi. A San Diego native, Timyra (pronounced Tim-my-ra) counts it a privilege and honor to return to the stage in this production. “This is a role of a life time,” she said. “It has always been my dream to play Dorothy, and I am fortunate to do it with Common Ground Theatre.”
CGT’s mission is to produce classics and new works by and about people of African descent that entertain, educate and connect with audiences of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Its purpose is to produce high quality theatrical productions that offer a “common ground” where people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds can interact, connect and share their love of theater. CGT envisions a culturally diverse, socially relevant and politically aware theater organization that nurtures the expertise of amateur and professional artists alike and improves community relations among diverse cultures and underrepresented groups.”
The Wiz will be performed at the Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd. in San Diego, CA 92113, from Dec. 4 – 20. Regular performances will be Fridays and Saturdays, (Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19) at 7 p.m. and Sundays (Dec. 6, 13, and 20) at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $25 for general admission; $20 for students/military/seniors and $15 for children age 12 and under.
For information and tickets, contact Common Ground Theatre at 619-272-3209 or go to cgtsd.org
