Back to Oz: Digital Program
Back to Oz
FROM THE WONDERFUL WIZARD TO THE WIZ
TO WICKED - AN AMERICAN FAIRYTALE
The journey to Oz and its band of characters is an American fairytale that has been reimagined time and time again, representing the underdog and radical hope in the face of fear.
Discover your connection to the land and stories of Oz through songs like “We're Off to See the Wizard,” “Home,” and “For Good.” This unforgettable exploration of the self and our shared humanity pays tribute to the hope in us all.
Presented at Mark Taper Forum, April 2026.
Back to Oz
Program Repertoire
A Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice) - Luther Vandross, arr. Jamey Tate
Carmen Cusack, LaVance Colley, Nathan Granner, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
We’re Off to See the Wizard - Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, arr. Rob Schaer
Carmen Cusack, LaVance Colley, Nathan Granner, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
It’s Only a Paper Moon - Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, arr. Jamey Tate
Nathan Granner, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead - Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, arr. Jamey Tate
LaVance Colley, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
If I Only Had a Brain, a Heart, the Nerve - Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, arr. Rob Schaer
Carmen Cusack, LaVance Colley, Nathan Granner, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Over the Rainbow - Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
Carmen Cusack, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John, Bernie Taupin, arr. Michael Valerio
LaVance Colley, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Bein' Green - Joe Raposo, arr. Alan Steinberger
Nathan Granner, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
For Good - Stephen Schwartz
Carmen Cusack, LaVance Colley, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Defying Gravity - Stephen Schwartz
Carmen Cusack, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Home - Charlie Smalls, arr. Michael Valerio
Nathan Granner, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Ease on Down the Road - Charlie Smalls, arr. Michael Valerio
Carmen Cusack, LaVance Colley, Nathan Granner, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Back to Oz
Artists
Carmen Cusack (vocals)
Carmen Cusack starred on Broadway in Flying Over Sunset and Bright Star, originating the leading roles and earning Tony Award nominations for both. Other performances include: Call Me Madam, South Pacific, Wicked, Les Misérables, Bull Durham, Carrie, Phantom of the Opera, and Sweeney Todd.
@cusackcarmen on social platforms.
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LaVance Colley (vocals)
LaVance Colley is a dynamic vocalist blending gospel, jazz, and R&B soul into a signature sound. He has worked with icons including Beyoncé, John Legend, and Brittany Howard. A featured singer on the award-winning film Sinners, he has performed on the Oscars, SAG Awards, and tours globally with Postmodern Jukebox as lead vocalist and emcee.
@lavancecolley on social platforms.
Nathan Granner (vocals)
Nathan Granner is at home in classical opera and contemporary composition alike. His 2025-2026 season includes a film adaptation of Gordon Getty’s Plump Jack and a studio recording of Getty’s Scare Pair with Rork Music. Granner is celebrated for his eloquent voice and commanding stage presence.
@nathangranner on social platforms.
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DC6 Singers Collective (vocals)
DC6 Singers Collective are a Los Angeles-based ensemble with roots in a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B, but they fuse styles to transcend boundaries. They have collaborated with global music legends such as CeCe Winans, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bolton, and institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and LA Opera Orchestra.
@dc6singers on social platforms.
Back to Oz
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby
First Violins
Jessica Guideri (concertmaster), Lisa Dondlinger, Songa Lee, Chloé Tardif, Camille Miller
Second Violins
Neel Hammond, Marisa Kuney, Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, Ani Sinanyan, Michelle Sheehy
Violas
Shawn Mann, Rodney Wirtz, Dominick Douglas, Damon Zavala
Cellos
Ismael Guerrero, Ira Glansbeek, Yun Han
Flute
Amy Tatum
Oboe
Michele Forrest
Clarinet
Jongeui Kim
Bassoon
Alex Rosales Garcia
Saxophones
Brandon Fields, Jack Lanhardt
Horns
Sarah Bach, Lisa McCormick
Trumpets
Rob Schaer, Christopher Gray, Barbara Laronga (4/18 only)
Trombone
Ryan Dragon
Tuba
P. Blake Cooper
Keyboard
Alan Steinberger
Guitar
Errol Cooney
Bass
Michael Valerio
Drums
Jamey Tate
Brady Steel, Orchestra Manager.
Musical Colloborators:
This special group works closely with MUSE/IQUE to develop and produce arrangements, advise on repertoire, and help bring the music to life. Principal Arranger and Special Advisor to the Music Director Michael Valerio and resident arrangers Rob Schaer, Alan Steinberger, and Jamey Tate.
Movement by Chadaé Nichol
“For Good” and “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway Musical Wicked. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Copyright © 2003 Stephen Schwartz. Used by permission of Grey Dog Music (ASCAP). Music publishing rights for Grey Dog Music administered by Universal Music Corp. All rights reserved.
Back to Oz
Pop-Up Exhibit
Back to Oz
Sponsors
Presented in Partnership with CTG
Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading not-for-profit theatre company and programs the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Center Theatre Group is one of the country’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions
Proudly Sponsored by Classical California
Classical California is now easier than ever to enjoy, with a new unified website and a brand-new app that brings together the former KUSC and KDFC services into one statewide home for classical music. Listeners can explore what’s playing, discover hand-picked programs from friendly hosts (no algorithms, just humans with good taste), find arts events, and stream anywhere, anytime. It’s all free, listener-supported, and designed to make everyday life more harmonious. Visit classicalcalifornia.org or download the Classical California app to listen.
KPFK is a Proud Media Sponsor
KPFK is a listener-powered, commercial free radio station in Los Angeles. We were the first full-time FM station west of the Mississippi powered entirely by listener donations. From the beginning, the mission was plain: serve peace, culture, and honest public conversation without compromise.