The exhibition at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts will include video of his ballets, his paintings, recordings of his early steel band ensemble, Geoffrey Holder and His Trinidad Hummingbirds, as well as props from some of his movies, including his work as the bodyguard Punjab in “Annie”.  Also on view will be his famous interpretation of Dorothy’s dress from The Wiz; not only did Holder direct the musical, he also designed costumes for the production, and became the first Black man to win a Tony award in both those categories.

In addition, on August 1, Lincoln Center’s “Out of Doors Festival” will dedicate an afternoon to Holder, and will include a screening of the 2009 documentary “Carmen & Geoffrey”, which documented his nearly 60-year marriage to Carmen de Lavallade (an accomplished dancer in her own right), that he described as his muse.

Holder contributed to the repertory of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and Dance Theatre of Harlem; Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, said, “They don’t make artists like him anymore. He never stopped creating, not for a moment.  He used to tell us at his rehearsals, ‘You are like gods and goddesses,’ and we believed him. You felt terribly regal and worthy and proud to be a dancer.”

Kenny Leon, director of NBC’s upcoming airing of The Wiz, remarked that Holder  “Designed, directed, choreographed and acted all at the highest level. His inspiration on The Wiz in the ’70s makes it possible for what we are to do with the revival in 2015.  I have the highest respect and gratitude to the man.”

Exhibit Open Now. Ends August 29th, 2015.

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To celebrate the occasion, George Faison, renowned producer, writer, composer, director, dancer and choreographer and of the original Broadway production, will present performances of original songs and dances from the show on August 12th in Central Park (Rumsey Playfield) & August 13-14 at 7:00pm at Marcus Garvey Park in New York.

The performance, The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music, will feature performances by several members of the original Broadway cast. Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad, who played a munchkin and swing in the original production, will co-host the performance with Faison. André De Shields will reprise his original role as the “Wiz;” Dee Dee Bridgewater, who won a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda,” will reprise this original role; and Ebony Jo-Ann will reprise her role as “Addaperle,” which she played in the Broadway revival of the production. Singer-songwriter Wallace Gary will join the cast as the “Scarecrow.” Damien L. Sneed will act as the musical director and conductor.

The Wiz was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score – Charlie Smalls, Best Featured Actor in a Musical – Ted Ross, Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Dee Dee Bridgewater, Best Costume Design – Geoffrey Holder, Best Choreography – Faison, and Best Direction of a Musical – Holder. The production also received five Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Musical – Ken Harper, Outstanding Music and Lyrics – Charlie Smalls, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical – Ted Ross, Outstanding Choreography – George Faison, and Outstanding Costume Design – Geoffrey Holder.

Faison, who was the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography, has created a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs associated with recreating this groundbreaking musical. To lend your support, visit the GoFund Me that has been setup.

Don’t forget, In addition to the performances at Marcus Garvey Park on August 13-14th, the musical will also be performed August 12 at 8:00 pm at Rumsey Playfield. The performances are a part of Summer Stages 30^th Anniversary season and are free.

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