Mosaic Youth Theater to Present Original Musical Inspired by 'The Wiz'

One of the region’s cultural gems, Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theater, returns to the stage with a new production, “Yellow Brick Ballads,” opening Saturday at the Detroit Film Theater. The one-act revue is packed with original music written by more than 30 Detroit teens and inspired by themes from the 1970s Broadway musical “The Wiz.”

“It’s full of original music spanning a variety of genres from funk to jazz, pop, techno, R&B and soul,” said DeLashea Strawder, Mosaic’s executive and artistic director. “All of the music was written by our young artists and team, as well as all of the spoken word poetry featured in the show. There will be 65 young people on stage and behind the scenes, because we have young people who help manage the sound, the lighting and stage management, the costumes, the props, the whole show.

Mosaic Youth Theater to Present Original Musical Inspired by ‘The Wiz’

“Yellow Brick Ballads” highlights the magic that happens when young artists are empowered and supported to dream big. This production is more than a concert; it’s a launching pad for these incredible young leaders who can use their gifts to bring more beauty and light to our world.

Strawder said audiences can expect a high-energy experience.

“The harmonies are complex,” she says. “We like to do a lot of a cappella music and vocal jazz. Young people are very committed to telling stories that are relevant to their community, and so they will ask themselves the question: “What does it mean to dream and how do dreams move us forward or hold us back?” And they challenge us to think about it as audience members. »

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There are also opportunities for the public to engage, she said.

“It’s not uncommon for them to ask people to get up and dance or sing,” Strawder said. “I hope people are reminded that arts and culture have the power to change lives and communities. I think young artists hope that people will be inspired to do something to change someone else’s life.