by Valencia Mother Diva Dantzler

     The Dean and Barbara White Community Center hosted a free public screening for children and adults sponsored by PanoramaNOW Entertainment News, EdgeOne Auto Sales www.edgeoneautosales.com (Qualified buyers $500 down bad credit, no credit, fixed income and learn from MIke how to build credit and refinance your bills at a lower rate tell them Mother Diva sent you to get 10 percent off your purchase.)  It was an after school program in honor of the 45th Anniversary of one of the most colorful and magical films of all time . . . “The Wiz.”  

    There was a guest speaker from the film actress/ producer/ director Mariann Aalda. MARIANN portrayed Dorothy’s cousin Aunt Em’s daughter in the Thanksgiving scene. (Shown above next to Mother Diva) A youtube video of the interview will be posted soon.

     On October 24, 1978, “The Wiz,” debuted to mixed reviews and a critical reception. However it has become a cult classic film and theme for Halloween parties worldwide. I was 7 years old and I remember sitting in the movie theater in aww. I had never seen anything so grand and opulent. I absolutely fell in love with Glenda the Good Witch, portrayed by the beauty Ms. Lena Horne. I identified with her the most because she looks like my family.  

     The Wiz stars Gary Indiana native son Michael Jackson.

     Fun Fact: Michael Jackson was just 19 when he starred in the Wiz and received a whopping $100k to portray the scarecrow. That would be equivalent to $477,933,97 in 2023. 

     The film’s interior was shot at New York’s Astoria Studios. According to the director Sidney Lumet from the 1978 behind the scenes footage; the studio is the 6th largest film studio in the world. It had 13 editing rooms, orchestra recording room, dubbing theater, looping room, construction area, back lot and more. It is literally two New York City blocks.. 

     The film’s  exterior for the Emerald City was shot in the 8 square block plaza behind the world trade center., It may have been the largest movie musical production scene ever done-said The Wiz film producer Rob Cohen. 

      During staging and rehearsal it was discovered that only the dancers in front could hear the music; there was a delay by the time the music reached the back dancers. They had 22 large speakers that were hidden in set designs so that all the 400 dancers could hear the music. The scene used 9 generators  and 120 wardrobe handlers, Nothing this big had ever been done in New York City.

     So our focus of course is our beloved Michael Jackson who had one of the most ghetto fabulous costumes. THE SCARECROW came complete with a  popcorn cup for the hat, a Reese Cup wrapper for the nose and garbage bags for the pants. (DON’T GET MAD GET GLAD TRASH BAGS LOL) Where in the hell was MJ going in that getup?  I have mixed feelings about this. 

    The scarecrow did seem to live in a junkyard with some crows. Another FUN FACT:  Mom Katherine and MJ’s nephews were upset when they saw him being sown in half by the wicked witch Evilene. MJ explained it’s only a movie and I am fine however no mother wants to see their son cut in half’ real or fake. 
     This reminds me when Paris Jackson, MJ’s daughter, who I am her stagemom sent me a video of her 2020 song “Let Down.”  It was so beautiful until the end, the guy she was dancing with reaches into her chest and rips her entire heart out and she slowly falls dead on the floor.
       I screamed, “He killed my baby” I immediately contacted her and said;  “Don’t you ever make a video like that again you almost gave your mama a heart attack girl.” Paris texted back and said “Mama it’s Halloween no worries.” I said, “you wait until you have children one day.” 
     The Dean and Barbara White Community Center is located at 6600 Broadway, and can be reached by calling 219-980-5911. EdgeOne Auto Sales is located at 6493 Broadway, and can be reached by calling 219-472-8374. 

    Watch Mother Diva’s tour of the facilities watch this 10 minute video. 

      VALENCIA “MOTHER DIVA” DANTZLER, is a producer, writer, community activist, election campaign strategist and Madam Ambassador of House/EDM,
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Sue Baxter

Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.