Gannon Knight ArtsLeisure

     Don’t expect to simply be following the yellow brick road in the Erie Playhouse’s production of “The Wiz.” This talented cast will ease you on down the road in a modern, funkified version of an all-time classic.
     Director and choreographer Richard Davis did a phenomenal job in casting this show. Each actor naturally brings his or her character to life and each takes you on his or her own journey down the yellow brick road.
     Making his mainstage debut as the Scarecrow, Damone Morris had an insatiable beat that oozed though his skin and infected the audience with the desire to join him, making up for his habit of overacting at times.
     Bill William’s personification of the Cowardly Lion begged for adoration. He offered a delectable counterpart to the sometimes-sassy king of the jungle.
     Douglas Massey successfully presented the gentle-yet-manly demeanor of the Tin Man and caused goose bumps on the bodies of many when using his falsetto. In spite of this, he may want to oil up his acting as well, which at times was as stiff as his limbs.
     These characters also have issues with diction, leaving audience members wondering what exactly they are singing. Luckily, “The Wiz’s” exceedingly hysterical program allowed for a clarification of the storyline.
     Moreover, these bumps in the road were surpassed by a trio of leading ladies that brought down the house. Denise Jamerson (Evilene), Elbonee Stevenson (Glinda) and Becca Coleman (Dorothy) filled the room with such astounding riffs and powerful vocals that the audience roared out of their seats.
     Nevertheless, the celebration would still continue with real-life preacher, Hayes Moses (The Wiz), forcing the already hyped masses to once again dance, stomp and snap along to his contagious and vigorous performances, which lent themselves to side-splitting laughter.
     Couple with all of this colorful, detailed costumes, a vibrant set, special effects, an energetic ensemble, as well as an infectious score, and you will be begging Dorothy to forget about Kansas and keep easin’ on down the road.
     So make sure to ease on down to the Erie Playhouse and get ready to groove to “The Wiz,” playing Feb. 4-6 and 10-13 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 11 and 14 at 2 p.m. For ticket information call the Erie Playhouse box office at 814-454-2852 or visit its Web site at www.erieplayhouse.org.