University News

WIU Alumna to Star in 'The Wiz' Hitting Broadway Next Spring

October 25, 2023

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University alumna and Broadway star Melody A. Betts is ready to take the stage next spring, starring in the acclaimed musical, ‘The Wiz.'

"Working with Melody is an absolute joy. When she auditioned for the show there was no question that she belonged in this revival. She is enormously talented and owns every moment she is on the stage. I can not wait for audiences all over the country to experience her extraordinary talent," Broadway director Schele Williams said.

Betts graduated from WIU in 2009 with a Master of Fine Arts degree. She is the founder and former president of Dumela which supports the students of color in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Donations can be made by texting DUMELA to 41444. Additionally, Betts is a member of the Actor's Equity Association (AEA) and SAG-Aftra unions.

Betts will play both Aunt Em and Evillene (The Wiz's Wicked Witch of the West) during the show's national tour, including a stop in Chicago, IL, and on Broadway.

The Wiz was a hit Broadway musical in 1975, winning seven Tony awards, including Best Musical, and featured breakout hits like "Ease On Down the Road" and "Home." The musical was adapted into a movie in 1978, starring Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson and Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion.

"The Wiz was the first musical that I was ever introduced to, so this is truly a full circle moment. The show has had such an enormous influence on our culture, in my community and in my life. I, genuinely, believe The Wiz was the start to me deciding to become a musical theater artist," Betts said.

For more information on WIU's Theatre and Dance programs, visit wiu.edu/dance. For information about ‘The Wiz' tour schedules, visit wizmusical.com.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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