The 1975 Broadway musical The Wiz will be revived with modern inspiration Friday night with the Penn State School of Theatre's performance.

"The production really says something about where our country is today in 2009 with Obama," said Lexi Rhoades (senior-musical theater) who plays Dorothy. "It's multicultural-based."

The Wiz, an African-American adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, will begin its series of performances at 8 p.m. Friday in the Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are $14 for general admission and $8.50 for Penn State students.

Although the production was made in 1975, it will be new for some audiences, director Steve Broadnax said.

"This is African-American theater. You don't get an opportunity to see that preserved a lot in this country," Broadnax said. "So this is Penn State trying to preserve it and using it to illuminate the voice of our generation."

Although the play may induce some chuckles, it has also introduced the more serious topic of race, said Gilbert Bailey (junior-musical theater), who plays the Scarecrow. He added the diverse casting gives the performance an interesting take.

"It has brought up more topics and conversations about racial positions and ideas," he said.

Broadnax, a professor of acting, said the performance of The Wiz at Penn State is more symbolic than people may realize.

Broadnax said it's been tricky coordinating the original style while still making it fun for modern viewers.

"It's very unique in its style," Broadnax said. "We're trying to keep homage to the original language of the play and make it relevant to the world we live in now."

Broadnax said the fantasy element of The Wiz has been quite uncommon recently for the Penn State School of Theatre.

"Even with the costumes -- there are no stipulations. Possibility is endless in this world," Broadnax said, adding the tornado scene will be memorable.

Bailey said the play will be good for a date or a family night.

"This show is fun because it's a big fantasy," Bailey said. "It's stepping out of realism. Everybody can come to this."

Bailey said not only will the play be fun for viewers, but also for him. He said his grandmother introduced him to The Wiz when he was little.

"I've wanted to play the Scarecrow ever since," Bailey said. "It's cool to cultivate all that I do into this role. It's a very physical role -- and I get to hold down some jokes."

Rhoades added she is particularly excited for this performance, as it will be one of her last at Penn State. Playing the lead role, she said she feels like she has accomplished something.

"There's never a bad day -- the people around always make you smile," Rhoades said.

Rhoades said The Wiz will be a huge spectacle and fun for the whole family.

"It keeps the original heart of The Wiz," she said. "It's just a multi-culturalized version of it."