Photo courtesy of Arts Without Boundaries

Arts Without Boundaries Youth Community Theater, in partnership with Compassion CDC, has announced the overwhelming success of its original musical production, “The Journey in Oz,” which premiered to two packed-out audiences on June 29th.

The event celebrated the exceptional talents of West Philadelphia’s Black and Brown youth, combining creativity, community, and cultural pride in the performance. Both shows were packed, showcasing tremendous community support and enthusiasm for the production.

The event took place at the Church of Christian Compassion (6121 Cedar Ave.) and was co-sponsored by Compassion CDC, an outgrowth of the church founded in 1981. The non-profit organization was created to implement the vast number of holistic programs and initiatives to improve the quality of life and promote community development and neighborhood pride.

“The Journey in Oz” is a unique adaptation inspired by the beloved characters of The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz. Set in West Philadelphia, the story follows young adolescents on a journey of self-discovery, imagination, belonging, and friendship during the Juneteenth holiday weekend. The original script is penned by Arts Without Boundaries Executive Director Nina McCrae. The music, including 11 original songs, was developed in collaboration with Philly-based producer Ed McCrae, captivating audiences with its soulful and dynamic compositions.

“I am thrilled to bring this original musical to life, particularly as it shines a spotlight on the talents and stories of our Black and Brown youth in West Philadelphia,” said McCrae, a West Philadelphia native and Berklee College of Music alum. “This production is more than entertainment; it’s an affirmation of their potential and a celebration of our rich cultural heritage.”

To honor the young performers’ hard work and dedication, they will be treated to an all-expense-paid trip to see “The Wiz” on Broadway on July 13th. Several members of the Broadway cast of The Wiz, including Philadelphian Kareem Marsh, sent congratulatory messages to the cast, recognizing their outstanding achievement. See some of the congratulatory messages here.

Arts Without Boundaries Youth Community Theater is a 16-week intensive program that offers technical musical theater training to elementary and middle-school children aged 5 to 17. Participants are mentored by Philadelphia-based performing artists and educators, fostering growth in reading, analytical skills, confidence, self-expression, collaboration, and leadership. To learn more about this program, visit: https://artswithoutboundaries.org.