Performing Arts Center is first stop of national tour of "The Wiz"

For one night only, the Clark State Performing Arts Center will host the first stop of the 2026-27 national tour of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical “The Wiz” at 8 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave. 

In addition to hosting the first performance of the new tour, the production is using the Performing Arts Center as a technical rehearsal and preparation site  for the national tour and will photograph promotional materials on the Clark State stage.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Clark State and for the Springfield community,” said Dan Hunt, general manager of venue operations at Clark State. “Having a national touring production select Clark State as a rehearsal site reflects the professional capabilities and state-of-the-art resources available at the Performing Arts Center. Our venue’s stage, backstage areas, technical infrastructure and experienced staff provide the type of environment required to prepare a large-scale production for audiences across the country. We are proud to support the production and demonstrate the level of excellence available at Clark State.”

“The Wiz” is a groundbreaking interpretation of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” combining the familiar story with soul, gospel, rock and ’70s funk. The production follows Dorothy as she travels through Oz and searches for her way home while encountering the Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion and other familiar characters.

The 2026-27 tour features an all-new cast led by “American Idol” Season 23 finalist Gabby Samone as Dorothy, international vocalist and actor Bryan DeMond as The Wiz, “The Voice” Season 28 contestant Toni Lorene Baker as Glinda, April Renee Moye as Aunt Em/Evillene, multi-award-winning Gospel recording artist Jose E. Figueroa Jr. as Scarecrow, Jaelen Spellman as Tinman and “The Voice” Season 25 winner Asher HaVon as Lion.

“The Wiz” originally premiered on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production became known for its music including “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home.”

Hunt said the Springfield performance offers audiences a rare opportunity to see a major national production at the beginning of its tour.

“We are thrilled to welcome ‘The Wiz’ to Springfield for this special one-night-only performance,” Hunt said. “Audiences will be among the first in the country to experience this exciting new tour with an incredible cast, unforgettable music and spectacular choreography. This is a show people will be talking about and we encourage everyone to get their tickets now before this performance sells out.”

“The Wiz” has received praise from critics for its music, choreography and production design. The Philadelphia Inquirer called it a “glorious, high-energy revival,” while the Boston Globe praised its “breathtaking choreography.”

Tickets for the one-night-only Springfield performance are $48- $73 and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit pac.clarkstate.edu or call the Clark State Performing Arts Center Ticket Office at 937-328-3874.

The Clark State Performing Arts Center and the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center also serve as rental venues for community events and personal moments. The facilities include the 1,500-seat Kuss Auditorium and Turner Studio Theatre, as well as smaller rooms for more personal events.

Clark State’s performing arts academic programs provide students with opportunities to develop skills in performance, production and arts management while gaining hands-on experience through events at the Performing Arts Center. The theatre associate degree prepares students to transfer to four-year theatre bachelor’s degree programs while the arts administration certificate provides coursework in theatre and business including management, accounting and marketing.

Together, the Performing Arts Center and Clark State's arts programs provide opportunities for students, performers and community members to participate in and experience the arts in downtown Springfield.