Broadway in the Bricks Transforms Newark Library into Magical Land of Oz

The Newark Public Library will be transformed into a magical Emerald City on June 26, 2025, when Broadway in the Bricks returns for its fourth annual production as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival. Beginning at 6 PM, this enchanting musical celebration will bring to life the beloved world of Oz through performances of iconic songs from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” and “Wicked,” featuring Broadway stars alongside local Newark talent.

Supported by the Prudential North to Shore Community Arts Awards and the City of Newark Creative Catalyst Grant, this Daryl Stewart Production continues its tradition of creating memorable theatrical experiences in unexpected spaces. The historic library setting provides an intimate backdrop where theatrical magic happens just feet away from the audience, blurring the boundaries between performers and spectators in a celebration of community and artistry.

Oz-Themed Musical Journey Spans Multiple Interpretations

This year’s Broadway in the Bricks takes audiences on a journey through multiple musical interpretations of Frank L. Baum’s classic Oz stories, showcasing how these beloved tales have been reimagined across different eras and cultural contexts. From the nostalgic melodies of “The Wizard of Oz” to the soulful rhythms of “The Wiz” and the contemporary theatrical innovations of “Wicked,” the performance highlights the enduring appeal and adaptability of these stories, according to New Jersey Stage.

“From the haunting melodies of ‘Defying Gravity’ to the soulful rhythms of ‘Ease on Down the Road,’ each performance offers a fresh interpretation of these iconic songs while honoring their cultural significance,” notes the event description. This approach not only celebrates the music itself but also explores how these different adaptations reflect changing social contexts and artistic sensibilities across decades of American theater.

The program will feature selections from each musical, creating connections between works that approach the same source material through different cultural and artistic lenses. This juxtaposition highlights both the universality of the core narratives and the distinctive qualities each adaptation brings to the familiar stories.

Professional and Local Talent Join Forces

A distinctive feature of Broadway in the Bricks is its commitment to bringing together established Broadway performers and local Newark artists, creating unique collaborative opportunities that benefit both groups while offering audiences exceptional performances. This approach aligns with the broader North to Shore Festival mission of connecting communities with world-class arts experiences while highlighting local talent.

“This extraordinary concert brings the magic of Frank L. Baum’s beloved Oz stories to vibrant life through the most memorable musical moments from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Experience the electrifying talent of Broadway stars performing alongside Newark’s own remarkable artists in a seamless blend of professional prowess and hometown heart,” the description explains, emphasizing this intentional bridging of professional and community performers.

While specific performers for this year’s production haven’t been announced, previous Broadway in the Bricks events have featured actors with credits from major Broadway productions alongside emerging talents from Newark’s vibrant performing arts community. This formula has proven successful in previous years, according to Patch, which noted the festival’s commitment to showcasing local artistic excellence alongside national talent.

Historic Library Setting Creates Unique Atmosphere

The choice of the Newark Public Library as the venue adds significant dimension to the performance experience. Founded in 1888 and housed in its current building since 1901, this historic institution at 5 Washington Street serves as more than just a backdrop for the performances—it becomes an active participant in creating the magical atmosphere that brings Oz to life.

The library’s architecture, with its grand spaces and distinctive character, provides natural theatrical elements that complement the performance. This setting creates a unique environment quite different from traditional theater spaces, allowing for creative staging and intimate audience experiences that wouldn’t be possible in conventional venues.

This use of the library also reflects a broader trend within the North to Shore Festival of activating unexpected spaces throughout its three host cities. Similar approaches can be seen in events like ARTeriors in Atlantic City, which transforms vacant properties into temporary art installations, as detailed by The Montclair Girl in their coverage of the festival’s innovative use of urban spaces.

Community-Focused Production Receives Grant Support

Broadway in the Bricks exemplifies the kind of community-centered programming supported by the North to Shore Festival’s Community Arts Awards initiative, which provides funding for local artists and organizations to produce cultural events during the festival period. This project’s receipt of both festival support and a City of Newark Creative Catalyst Grant demonstrates its recognized value to the community.

These funding sources enable the production to maintain accessibility while achieving professional quality, ensuring that local residents can experience exceptional theatrical performances without the financial barriers often associated with Broadway productions. This commitment to accessibility aligns with broader festival goals of making cultural experiences available to diverse audiences.

Producer Daryl Stewart has established a reputation for creating community-focused theatrical experiences that maintain high artistic standards while emphasizing inclusivity and local relevance. This approach has helped Broadway in the Bricks build a dedicated following over its four-year history, with each production finding new ways to connect familiar musical theater works to the specific context of Newark.

Continuation of Growing Tradition

Now in its fourth year, Broadway in the Bricks has established itself as a beloved tradition within Newark’s cultural landscape. Its return as part of the 2025 North to Shore Festival represents both continuity for this specific event and the festival’s broader commitment to supporting recurring local programming that builds audiences over time.

The production’s growth parallels the expansion of the North to Shore Festival itself, which has evolved significantly since its inaugural edition in 2023. According to festival organizers, the event has brought in more than $25 million for ticketed events and drawn over 500,000 attendees to more than 650 shows across its first two years.

Broadway in the Bricks’ focus on creating “a space where community and artistry intersect, where boundaries between performer and audience dissolve” exemplifies the festival’s emphasis on participatory cultural experiences that go beyond passive entertainment to foster genuine connection. This approach helps build sustainable audience relationships that extend beyond individual performances to create lasting engagement with the arts.