“The Wiz 2.0,” written and directed by Lakeland native and Lakeland High graduate Demetrius Haynes, will be performed on Nov. 30 at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland.
The musical is a modern retelling of “The Wizard of Oz,” and features Lakeland High School student Nyla Goodman as Dorothy.
Haynes, 33, has worked in New York on Broadway for more than a decade as a production assistant and a double for actor/comedian Kevin Hart, according to a news release. He has also trained with acting coaches at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
Students from Crystal’s School of Dance in Lakeland will perform ballet in the production. Students from Renard Hayes’ School of Music have been cast as “munchkins.” Students from Travis Technical College’s Cosmetology Department will design hair and makeup for the cast.
“It’s music, dance, the costumes, the set design,” Haynes said in the release. “We’re bringing the whole Broadway experience to Central Florida. It’s a huge deal because Polk County has never seen a production like this. African-Americans have never had a production like this in Polk County.”
“The Wiz 2.0” will be performed at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., at the Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave. Tickets start at $50 and can be ordered at www.hush86.com.