When the lights dimmed at Beaumont’s Julie Rogers Theatre on June 26, no one could have predicted the impact awaiting the audience. By the time the lights came back up, they did. And then they came back Saturday. Twice. 

The Jonathan Williams Center for the Performing Arts delivered a stirring rendition of The Wiz, transforming the stage with dazzling backdrops and unforgettable costumes. Performances from cast members who had been rehearsing since June 1 and arrived on that stage ready.

"This production gives our community an opportunity to come together, celebrate the arts, and experience the power of unity through storytelling."
— Candace Buckley, Glinda

Marshey Smith as Evillene commanded the stage and made the audience believe every second of it. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion brought the kind of energy that reminded everyone in the room why live theater exists. And then there was the moment that stopped people cold.

Glinda and Dorothy are played by Candace Buckley and Tiauna Smith. They are mother and daughter. Both known and loved in this community. When they shared that stage together, it was not just a scene from a musical. It was a mother and daughter living something out loud in front of a full house. When Tiauna sang "Home," the kids in the cast cried. When she turned to the Lion and sang "Be a Lion," giving courage to someone who forgot they had it, the room went still.

These were not theater moments. These were life happening on a stage.

André Pitre played The Wiz. He is a triple threat — singer, actor, and director — who has built a career in Los Angeles, where he now lives in Marina del Rey, California. His resume includes touring productions alongside Morris Chestnut, Billie Dee Williams, Ellia English, and J. Anthony Brown. He has shared stages with Phil Perry, Jeffrey Osbourne, Najee, and Morris Day and the Time. He completed a Tyler Perry play. He has television credits and IMDB recognition. He and his business partner Charnele Brown wrote and produced The Black Man: A Mental Health Journey, an original work exploring mental health through the lens of Black male experience in which André played seven different characters.

All of that, and he came home to Beaumont to play The Wiz. His own words after the final curtain: "Full circle." Two words. Everything.

And Tra'Marion, playing an Emerald City Citizen, performed in his very first play ever. At the Julie Rogers Theatre. In front of a full house. That is the JWCPA story in one sentence.

This summer marked JWCPA's fourth summer production, and the organization is still growing. In September, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary as an organization. The 10th Year Celebration Banquet is set for September 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Ten years of impact. Countless lives inspired. Jonathan Williams made a promise to his students more than a decade ago and has been keeping it ever since. Mark your calendar now.