'The Wiz' to be Staged Sat. at Ridge HS Arts Center

The Junior and Senior Performing Arts Companies from Front & Center for Performing Arts (located in Springfield) present "The Wiz" from Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Performing Arts Center off S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge.

Tickets are $20 and $25 and can be purchased online. They can also be purchased at the door.

The cast features Basking Ridge resident Meagan Ackerman, according to an announcement by Front  This year’s show, produced by Page O’Connor, with artistic direction by Renee Palermo, features 62 of Front & Center’s young performers who range in age from 5 to 18.

"The Wiz" is a high-energy adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," in which Dorothy is blown by a tornado to Munchkinland in the Land of Oz.  Once there she meets the Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion, defeats an evil witch, and has many adventures along her journey to find “home.”

The talented actors in Front & Center’s Junior and Senior Performing Arts Company will perform "The Wiz" on Friday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Jan. 28, at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday, Jan. 29, at 1:30 pm.

Entering its tenth year, Front & Center for Performing Arts (www.front-n-center.com, 973-258-1123), located at 95 Victory Rd. in Springfield, offers classes for children in dance, drama, voice, and musical theater at all skill levels and provides the opportunity to grow artistically in a nurturing, fun, and family-oriented environment.

The studio maintains the highest standards of excellence and many of their classes are taught by professional artists and master teachers, according to the announcement. Front & Center caters to both the serious and the recreational student.