Directed by artistic director Irene Lewis with musical direction by Eric Svejcar and choreography by Willie Rosario, the musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved classic will play the Maryland venue through Nov. 7.

The cast features Kingsley Leggs as The Wiz/Uncle Henry, Angela Robinson as Glinda/Auntie Em, Wayne W. Pretlow as the Lion, original Rent soloist Gwen Stewart as the evil Evilene and the not-so-evil Addaperle, Mel Johnson, Jr. as the Tin Man, Kristen Dowtin as Dorothy and Eric B. Anthony as the Scarecrow.

The ensemble comprises Jonathan Burke, Tym Byerz, Manoly Farrell, LaTrisa A. Harper, Daisy Hobbs, Alison Mixon, Mashawn Morton and Alfie Parker.

William F. Brown wrote the book for the soulful contemporary retelling of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The Wiz also features music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The original 1974 production, directed by Geoffrey Holder and choreographed by George Faison, won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. The premiere Broadway company featured Hinton Battle, Tiger Haynes, Stephanie Mills, Ted Ross, Dee Dee Bridgewater, André De Shields and Mabel King.

Tickets are on sale by calling (410) 332-0033 or by visiting www.centerstage.org.