(Columbia, Tenn. - - - April 21, 2011) - - - The First Farmers & Merchants Bank Performance Series presented by Columbia State Community College closes another successful season with a performance of the Broadway Musical "The Wiz," presented by the College's Commercial Entertainment Department on Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in the Cherry Theater, located in the Waymon L. Hickman Building. The Wiz is an exciting musical based on Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz, with a rock musical score and updated characters. Winner of seven Tony awards, including "Best Musical" and "Best Score," The Wiz is great entertainment for the whole family.

"This is a delightful show for the whole family," said Cathy Hudnall, Commercial Entertainment program director at Columbia State. "Children will love the characters and can meet them after the show in the lobby for pictures."

There will be games for children to play in the lobby, including a trip along the yellow brick road. Children can dress up as their favorite Wizard of Oz character and have their pictures taken with the cast after the show. Parents, grandparents, friends and families are encouraged to bring their cameras.

"We're delighted to have Columbia State's own students performing The Wiz for the final show of our season," said Beth Duffield, development officer for alumni relations and community events at Columbia State. "The Commercial Entertainment Program productions are always top notch and rival productions by professional theater companies."

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For complete ticketing information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu/performance-series/tickets. To charge tickets by phone, call (931) 540-2879. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted. Tickets can also be purchased at the Columbia State Community College ticket office, located in the Pryor Administration Building, Room 108 Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The ticket box office will be open one hour prior to all performances in the Waymon L. Hickman building, room 100A.

The 2010-2011 Performance Series is made possible by First Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Columbia State Community College Foundation.




Photo Caption: Dorothy and the Scarecrow discover the Tin Man in the enchanted forest. (Left to right) Jordan Wallace of Nashville (Tin Man), Teriney Crawford of Columbia (Dorothy), and John Edmundson of Lewisburg (Scarecrow).