The Wonder Theatre starts its 2024 season on March 8 at its new home in the Wonderland of the Americas. After a decade of musical theater productions in its Deco District home, the Woodlawn Theatre company rebranded to the Wonder Theatre in 2023 in anticipation of its move.
Directed by Morgan Clyde, season opener Kinky Boots follows a struggling shoe factory owner, played by Nick Degraw Glavac, who saves his business from bankruptcy by teaming up with a feisty drag queen, played by Myles Harris, to create a line of super-high heels. Based on the 2005 film with a musical score by Cyndi Lauper and book written by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots runs from March 8-30.
“Morgan has worked with us for many years as a performer and fight choreographer, but this is her first time directing a mainstage production for us,” said Christopher Rodriguez, the Wonder Theatre’s executive/artistic director. “Her collaborative leadership has been such an assist to this production.”
Rodriguez will direct three of the Wonder Theatre’s upcoming productions, which include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, June 21-July 14; The Wiz, Aug. 16-Sept. 8; The Prom, Oct. 4-27; and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nov. 29-Dec. 23.
Darcell Andre will direct The Wiz, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz through a contemporary Black lens. Andre has previously directed A Raisin in The Sun at the Classic Theatre, The Color Purple at the Wonder Theatre and The Snowy Day at the Magik Theatre.
“Darcell brings depth and authenticity to all his productions,” said Rodriguez. “He creates environments that foster socio-emotional awareness and safe expression, leaving a profound impact on audiences through his dedication to creativity, heritage and enriching culture.”
Rodriguez said he’s eager to share the theater’s new space, which “offers up more accessibility to patrons, students and performers,” with the public.
“Every year we pick productions that reflect and appeal to our diverse community. We also strive to pick shows that amplify voices that need to be heard and tell stories of underserved groups within the community,” he said.
During the run of Kinky Boots, permanent seating will be installed in the new space, completing the initial stage of renovations. Wonder Theatre plans to celebrate with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will be announced on its website.
