The Wiz

Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's "super soul musical" The Wiz has been a hit with audiences since its debut, and with good reason. The show recasts the well-known and loved story of The Wizard of Oz as an urban fantasy that changes the narrative in subtle ways. The Wiz's Dorothy is also a day-dreamer who gets carried away to a strange world of talking metal men and cowardly lions, but when she's returned home safe and sound at the end she's also learned an important lesson about believing in herself and what she's capable of doing. The COCA Theatre Company presents The Wiz at 7 p.m. Friday and at 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (October 20 to 22) at the Center of Creative Arts (524 Trinity Avenue, University City; www.coca-stl.org), with guest director Ron Himes of the Black Rep helming the show. Tickets are $14 to $18.