Based on L. Frank Baum 's classic story and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "The Wiz" brings the wonderful world of Oz to life like never before. While well received, the album omits several key songs from the musical that were not recorded for the album- such as the show's overture, dance and accompaniment music. Harney also originated the leading role of Curtis in the Broadway debut of Dreamgirls. The Wiz was hardly a great musical in 1975, but it had something to say, and it said it with verve and integrity. It starred Nikki M. James (Dorothy), E. Faye Butler (Evelline) and David Alan Grier (The Wiz), and featured sets by Robert Brill. Catching up to them in the forest surrounding her castle, the monkeys dash the Tin Man against rocks until he falls apart, and rip the straw out of the Scarecrow, leaving both of them helpless. Along with other musicals including Purlie (1971) and Raisin (1974), The Wiz was a breakthrough for Broadway, a large-scale big-budget musical featuring an all-black cast. Receiving word of Dorothy and her friends approaching, she sends her Winged Monkeys to kill them ("Funky Monkeys"). [22] The production will be directed and choreographed by Kim Duddy. The production ran until January 28, 1979, playing 1,672 performances. A major British revival of the musical was produced in 2011 by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (however performed at the New Alexandra Theatre due to The REP's refurbishment)[20] in a co-production with the West Yorkshire Playhouse, re-locating Kansas to present day Birmingham[21] This production was directed by Josette Bushell-Mingo, with choreography by Paul J. Medford. After an argument, Aunt Em apologizes to her for an unintentionally hurtful remark. The haughty and condescending people laugh and ridicule this odd group for wanting to see the Wizard until they see that Dorothy is wearing Evamean's silver shoes. Check out the Broadway debuts that gave these television, film, and music stars their launching pad. Ted Ross and Mabel King reprised their roles of the Lion and Evillene from the Broadway production. Stopping to rest by a cornfield, she is startled when a scarecrow hanging on a pole strikes up a conversation with her ("I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday"). A "Super Soul Musical" Celebrates African American Culture. The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a joyous modern retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s story reflecting contemporary African-American culture. When he learns where they are going, he apologizes and asks if he may accompany them to ask the Wizard for some courage. at New York City Center in June 2009. The production starred Tamsier Joof (both shows); Rustie Lee (both shows); Sharon D. Clarke (2000), Victoria Wilson-James (2001), and Kat of MTV (both shows). It opened at Broadway’s Majestic Theater on Jan. 5, 1975; by that point, Fox’s investment was close to $1 million. NBC announces casting call for Dorothy in The Wiz Live! 1445 Broadway (W. 41st St.), New York, NY. The production was directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler. From 1996–97 there was a US concert version tour with Tasha Scott as Dorothy, Grace Jones (Evillene), Peabo Bryson (The Wiz), and CeCe Peniston as Glinda. This describes any professional productions of the show that have taken place, be they Broadway, West End, Off-Broadway, Touring, etc. Look back at the 10 most recent productions to play over 100 performances at the venue. The seminal drama, acclaimed for its honest portrayal of the Black experience in America, was the first play by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. They remain unconvinced, so he creates physical symbols of their desires and they are satisfied. In honor of the prolific stage star's birthday, take a look back at his storied career. He replaced the original director, Gilbert Moses, with Geoffrey Holder in Detroit during out-of-town tryouts. Renee C. Harris (who was in her very early 20s) took over as the tour's Dorothy and continued leading that company for a couple of years playing many engagements in cities across the country. She takes delight in torturing the Lion before Dorothy, threatening to have him skinned unless she hands over the silver shoes. [11], In August 2015, George Faison presented The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music, performances of the original songs and choreography in honor of the Broadway hits 40th Anniversary at Summerstage in New York City. "[40], 1974 musical based on the 1900 book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It laid the foundation for later African-American hits such as Bubbling Brown Sugar, Dreamgirls and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies. The Wiz, Charlie Smalls’ musical adaption of The Wizard of Oz, opened at the Majestic Theatre January 5, 1975. "[38], In their review of the 2006 La Jolla production, Variety wrote: "'The Wiz' remains a collage of contemporary slang and imagery, but La Jolla's is a multicultural collage in which Baum's themes speak to the broadest possible audience. Aunt Em loves her dearly and hopes they will always be as close as they were when she was younger ("The Feeling We Once Had"). Dorothy recalls that the Munchkins warned her of these poppies, and runs from the field as fast as she can with the Scarecrow and Tin Man behind her. While searching for a way to get the shoes from Dorothy, Evillene forces her and the Lion to do menial chores around her castle. The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 13, 1974, p. 27. This edition of ''The Wiz'' is an ersatz version of the original show. Sign up for exclusive discounts and save up to 50% on tickets! Just as his speech reaches its climax, the balloon comes free from its moorings and rises quickly into the air, taking Dorothy's hopes of getting home with it. Unquestionably, the humor and the heartbeat of the piece remain African-American at their source, but the overall effect is pluralistic and inclusive. The Wiz on Broadway has 186 members. She is evil, power hungry, and ruthlessly determined to get her hands on her sister's silver shoes, so that she may increase her power and rule over all of Oz ("Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News"). The show was revived in 1984 starring Stephanie Mills as Dorothy once more. Faison and Holder both won Tony Awards for choreography and costume design, respectively in 1975. Upon his return from Australia in late 1976, Victor Willis joined the cast of the original Broadway production. [16][17], Dodger Productions holds U.S. rights to revive the musical, while Joop Van den Ende's Stage Entertainment holds the European rights. It was an early example of Broadway's mainstream acceptance of works with an all-black cast. Smalls' score—supervised by musical director Ron Melrose and original orchestrator Harold Wheeler—sounds fresh and contemporary". SYNOPSIS: Kansas farm girl Dorothy is transported in a tornado to the magical land of Oz in this … Clarice Taylor, Stephanie Mills, and Dee Dee Bridgewater in The Wiz Martha Swope/©NYPL for … Source: Playbill. Summer Stars series production ran June 12 through July 5, 2009. Frank Rich, "Stage: 'The Wiz' Back on Broadway", Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, "The Wiz to Get New Broadway Revival in 2004; McAnuff to Direct - Play…", "Des McAnuff Tapped for Dodgers Wiz Revival", Victoria Wilson James DMC World Magazine Interview, "Brady, Burgess, Grier, James, Pettiford, Washington to Star in La Jolla's The Wiz", "The Wiz Ends Limited City Center Engagement July 5", "The Wiz at Birmingham Repertory Theatre". At this time, the production also featured Ben Harney as the Tin Man and Ken Prymus as the Lion. "), but he points out that the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion already have the things they seek as shown in their behavior on the journeys they have made ("Believe In Yourself"). With Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross. The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Wiz is a production, and this is a general overview of that production. The original production, starring Stephanie Mills, opened January 5, 1975 at the Majestic Theatre. Copyright 1991-2020 © Playbill Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sixteen-year-old Dorothy Gale lives with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and dog, Toto, on their farm in Kansas. Cast of The Wiz Martha Swope. She bids a tearful goodbye to her friends, and as their faces fade into the darkness, she thinks about what she has gained, lost, and learned throughout her journey through Oz ("Home"). BroadwayWiz.com was created by Joy Rosenthal & Serena Cohen, theater fans who wanted to share their love of Broadway with the world. Dorothy sets off down the Yellow Brick Road, full of doubt and fear at what lies ahead ("Soon As I Get Home"). [27] With Queen Latifah, Patti LaBelle, Busta Rhymes, and Little Richard among its planned cast,[27] the telefilm ultimately went un-produced; FOX instead became a co-producer on The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2004), starring Ashanti as Dorothy and Latifah as Aunt Em. When Glinda, the good witch, musically instructed Dorothy to 'believe in herself,' she seemed to be delivering a broader inspirational message. The "Tornado" instrumental was released as both a 7" single and a 12" extended single, while the show's musical arranger Harold Wheeler co-produced a cover of "Ease on Down the Road" with studio group Consumer Rapport that became a charting single in 1975, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Marching up to the gates of the Emerald City, they are met by the Gatekeeper who insists they must all be fitted with a pair of green tinted glasses that are locked on to prevent them being blinded by the dazzling sights. With her magic unable to take Dorothy beyond the country boundaries, Addaperle decides Dorothy's best chance for assistance is to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City in the centre of Oz, to see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, or "The Wiz" for short ("He's the Wizard"). We aim to bring you interviews with Broadway … It's depressing to watch a once-fervent expression of black self-respect and talent be spilled on the stage as if it were a trunkload of marked-down, damaged goods. (2013) and Peter Pan Live! Returning to the Emerald City, they see the Wizard (now a booming voice that seems to come from the very air). Renee C. Harris stayed on as understudy for the role of Dorothy, as did McQueen for the role of Addaperle. It starred Ashanti as Dorothy, Tichina Arnold as Evillene, Dawnn Lewis as Addapearl, Joshua Henry as the Tin Man, James Monroe Iglehart as the Lion, Orlando Jones (succeeded by Colman Domingo) as The Wiz, and LaChanze as Aunt Em and Glinda.[19]. Damien L. Sneed acted as the musical director and conductor of The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music. "[6], The Broadway production moved to The Broadway Theatre on May 25, 1977, and closed on January 28, 1979, after four years and 1,672 performances.[7]. The production featured music and lyrics by Smalls and book by William F. Brown. ("Ease On Down the Road #1"). Motown Productions acquired the film rights to The Wiz in 1977 and signed Stephanie Mills in anticipation of having her star as Dorothy in the film adaptation. She transports them to Glinda's castle in the red land of the south, where they are warmly welcomed and invited to rest after their many trials ("A Rested Body Is a Rested Mind"). She tells Dorothy that the silver shoes have always had the power to take her home, but like her friends, she needed to believe in their magic and in herself before it was possible ("If You Believe"). The musical toured the US in 1976[8] and during the tour, Kenneth Kamal Scott (then billed as "Kamal") replaced Andre DeShields as the Wiz, Ren Wood was cast as Dorothy but departed the tour after playing only a couple of cities because during the show's engagement at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, the 19-year-old performer was recruited for a featured part in the movie production of Hair. as their next production (NBC, by this point, having purchased Universal Studios). In 1975, "The Wiz," a musical version of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" featuring an all-Black cast, opened on Broadway. The production was led and performed by African Americans, all of whom shared the honors of winning the 1975 Tony for Best Musical. Angered by this, she picks up a bucket of water and throws it over Evillene, who melts until only her magic golden cap remains. When the Majestic was given to another show, The Wiz transferred to the Broadway Theatre on May 25, 1977. He shows them the elaborate mechanical effects used to create his illusions, and tells them that he is really a balloonist from Omaha named Herman Smith who traveled to Oz by accident when his hot air balloon drifted off course. Dorothy and the Scarecrow invite him on their journey to see the Wizard with the hope that he may give him one ("Ease On Down the Road #2"). It was directed by Des McAnuff, who, with Harold Wheeler, orchestrator of the original Broadway version, revised the musical for contemporary audiences. [29] An open casting call for the role of Dorothy took place on June 6, 2015. The cast also featured Tony Terry as the Tin Man. [13], Flymonkey Productions (London, UK) ran two shows. Hinton Battle, Stephanie Mills, Ted Ross, and Tiger Haynes in, Martha Swope / The New York Public Library, Clarice Taylor, Stephanie Mills, and Dee Dee Bridgewater in, Martha Swope/©NYPL for the Performing Arts, Stephanie Mills, Andre De Shields, and Stu Gilliam in, Tiger Haynes, Andre De Shields, Hinton Battle, Stephanie Mills, and Ted Ross in, Andre De Shields, Tiger Haynes, Hinton Battle, Stephanie Mills, and Ted Ross in, Playbill Vault's Today in Theatre History: February 6, Lillias White, S. Epatha Merkerson, More Reunite for Billy Porter's, Jesse L. Martin, Fredi Walker-Browne, and Kristen Lee Kelly Join, The Best Broadway Bernie Sanders Memes from the Inauguration, Look Back at Sierra Boggess, Tituss Burgess, Sherie Rene Scott, and More in, In Other Words: The Synonymous Titles Quiz, Relive the Brandy and Whitney Houston-Led, Take a Look at Darren Criss’ Theatre Highlights on His Birthday, Celebrate Alex Brightman With a Look Back at, From Nathan Detroit to Gary: Celebrating Nathan Lane on His Birthday. They continue following the Yellow Brick Road deeper into the forest, where they are attacked by a large lion ("I'm a Mean Ole Lion"). [5], William F. Brown, who wrote the book, gave a more specific explanation in 1993: "20th Century-Fox, the musical's major investor, put in another $100,000 to keep it going and everyone agreed to royalty cuts until the production's cost—about $1.1 million—was recouped....By the eighth week, we were selling out. The idea for the musical originated with producer Ken Harper. Actress Phylicia Ayers-Allen, a munchkin and swing in the original production, co-hosted the performance with George Faison. Prymus was known to audiences for his featured role in the movie MASH (1970) for singing "Suicide is Painless." The idea for the musical originated with producer Ken Harper. The Wiz opened at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway on January 5, 1975 (it had been previewing since December 24). When The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975, it was groundbreaking because it told the story of Dorothy Gale from an African-American perspective. The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls (and others) and book by William F. Brown. [28] Stephanie Mills, who originated the role of Dorothy on Broadway, played Aunt Em. Seeing Dorothy's silver shoes, however, they dare not harm her. [18], City Center's Encores! Sidney Lumet served as director, working with screenwriter Joel Schumacher (who used none of Brown's stage script) and music supervisor Quincy Jones. but in a much smaller role. The first one was in 2000 which received great reviews and a second was run the following year in 2001 receiving exceptional reviews from the London press. Furthermore, her house has fallen on Evamean, the Wicked Witch of the East, and killed her, freeing the Munchkins from her evil powers. [26] NBC's live performance of the stage show aired on December 3, 2015. The original Baltimore cast included Stephanie Mills as Dorothy, Stu Gilliam as the Scarecrow, Tiger Haynes as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion, and Butterfly McQueen as the Queen of the Field Mice. This is a summary of act II. [37], In his review of the 1984 revival, Frank Rich wrote: "What made The Wiz surprisingly moving the first time around was that its creators found a connection between Baum's Kansas fantasy and the pride of urban black Americans. As the tornado hits the farm, the house, with Dorothy inside, is lifted into the air and flies for miles, with the wind represented by dancers ("Tornado"). The Wiz on Broadway has 186 members. The production was directed by Glenn Casale and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast and featured sets by David Gallo. A number of members of the original Broadway cast returned for this celebratory run. [33][34] Uzo Aduba played Glinda and Amber Riley portrayed Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. The Wiz was a retelling of the famous children's novel "The Wizard of OZ". – Dorothy Gale, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, "A Rested Body Is a Rested Mind" – Glinda and Company, This page was last edited on 28 January 2021, at 17:00. They oil his joints ("Slide Some Oil To Me") and he tells them how, to prevent him from marrying a servant girl, Evamean put a spell on his axe so that it began to cut off parts of his body. He replaced the original director, Gilbert Moses, with Geoffrey Holder in Detroit during out-of-town tryouts. [18] Stage Entertainment mounted a full-scale production at the Beatrix Theater in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 2006. Directed by Geoffrey Holder with choreography by George Faison, The Wiz featured scenic design by Tom H. John, lighting design by Tharon Musser, costume design by Holder, and sound design by Richard J.C. Miller with stage management by Charles Blackwell, Henry Velez, and Jerry Laws. André De Shields reprised his original role as the Wiz; Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tony Award winner for her role as Glinda, reprised this original role; Evelyn Thomas reprised her original role as the Tornado and Ebony Jo-Ann, who played Addaperle in the Broadway revival of the production reprised her role as well. The musical earned eight Tony nominations, winning 7 including best musical. A live television production of the stage version, The Wiz Live!, was broadcast on NBC on December 3, 2015, with an encore presentation on December 19 of the same year. After a great fight and harrowing escape, they stop by the road to rest. "Common, Ne-Yo and Elijah Kelley are Newest Additions to All-Star Cast for 'The Wiz Live! Both men were subsequently featured in other Broadway shows and were as replacements in the Broadway production of Ain't Misbehavin'. Its independence is firmly based in its cheerful suppositions that Dorothy is … joined NBC's series of live musical events starring Uzo Aduba as Glinda the good witch, Queen Latifah as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Stephanie Mills as Aunt Em, Mary J. Blige as Evillene, David Alan Grier as The Cowardly Lion, Amber Riley as Addaperle, Ne-Yo as the Tin Man, Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow, Common as Bouncer, and 18-year-old newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy. Once in the throne room, they are assaulted by a great show of lights, smoke, and pyrotechnics as the Wizard appears in several forms before them ("So You Wanted To See the Wizard"). The 1997 film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is set to begin streaming on Disney+ February 12. 37 PHOTOS. When Harris eventually departed the company, the tour continued with Deborah Malone in the role of Dorothy. The show had a pre-Broadway tryout at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia from December 11, 1974, through December 21, 1974. Seeing a green glow in the distance, they continue their journey to the Emerald City, and wander into a field of poppies who blow opium dust on them. [30] In July 2015, Queen Latifah was cast as the Wiz and Mary J. Blige was confirmed to play the role of Evillene. The Wiz was a stage musical which was a modernized re imagining of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with an all African American cast. [12]. [9] A planned 2004 Broadway revival[10] was not produced. However, he is quickly revealed to be a coward hiding behind bravado as Dorothy stands up for her friends. Williamson J.C. Theatres Ltd., official program, May 1, 1976. [26] The O.Z., a hip-hop re-adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with an all-Black cast that was to use original music rather than adapt The Wiz, was then planned by FOX and director Chris Stokes in the early 2000s. [31] In addition, Beyoncé was offered to play Glinda, but no deal was made. The two-time Tony Award nominee celebrates his birthday February 5. The Wiz follows Kansas farm girl Dorothy who works to find her way home after being transported in a tornado to a magical land. The Fiddlehead Theatre Company, in the historic Strand Theatre in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, mounted a production, directed by Stacey Stephens, Fiddlehead Theatre Company's Associate Producing Artistic Director, in February 2015.[23]. They each plead their case to him, the Tin Man doing so in song ("What Would I Do If I Could Feel?"). (2014), Zadan and Meron announced The Wiz Live! Broadway history was made 40 years ago when the cast and crew of The Wiz: The Supersoul Musical ‘Wizard of Oz’ received eight Tony Award nominations and seven wins. There was also a second national touring company which was a scaled down production. Rounding out the cast were Butterfly McQueen and Arnetia Walker as standbys and Cynthia Ashby and Otis Sallid as swings. Each time it happened, a tinsmith replaced each missing part with one made of tin until he was entirely made of it. The original production starred Stephanie Mills as Dorothy, Tiger Haynes as the Tinman, Ted Ross as the Lion, Hinton Battle as the Scarecrow, Clarice Taylor as Addaperle, Mabel King as Evillene, André De Shields as the Wiz, and Dee Dee Bridgewateer as Glinda alongside Tasha Thomas, Phylicia Ayers-Allen, Leettie Battle, Danny Beard, Phillip Bond, Leslie Butler, Pi Douglass, Ronald Dunham, Wendy Edmead,Frank Floyd, Rodney Green, Sam Harkness, Eugene Little, Eleanor McCoy, Frances Morgan, Joni Palmer, John Parks, Howard Porter, Jozella Reed, Kenneth Scott, Evelyn Thomas, Andy Torres, Carl Weaver, and Ralph Wilcox. Check Out These Stunning Comic-Inspired Theatre Illustrations of, Black History on Broadway: Celebrating Lorraine Hansberry’s. Manley had invited people from the entertainment … Not wanting to disappoint them, he assumed the role and had a great city built. Her spell on the Winkies is lifted, and they show their thanks by restoring the Scarecrow and Tin Man to top condition, and reuniting the group ("Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day"). Dorothy, distressed and confused, wants only to return home. He agrees on one condition: they must kill Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. Broadway Checklist: How Many of These Shows at the St. James Theatre Have You Seen? The resulting film version of The Wiz also starred former Motown star Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Richard Pryor as the Wizard, jazz singer Thelma Carpenter as Miss One (the name "Addapearle" was not used for this production) and Lena Horne as Glinda. Truest and most positive sense of the piece remain African-American at their source but. And contemporary '' [ 3 ] after drawing mixed critical reviews, producer Ken.... Original production, co-hosted the performance with George Faison [ 2 ] a... 'S birthday, take a look back at the Forrest Theatre in Baltimore, and Music their! Performance with George Faison Smalls ’ musical adaption of the Wizard of Oz, opened at the Theatre. Of Music Live gets swept up in a tornado to a magical land he was made! And asks if he May accompany them to ask the Wizard of Oz opened... Production was directed by Geoffrey Holder, the tour continued with Deborah Malone in the middle of a covered. Revival [ 10 ] was not produced to ask the Wizard ( now a voice... First German-speaking production will be produced in Linz/Austria in the Broadway debut of Dreamgirls Faison and both. One made of Tin, rusted solid departed the company, the Winkies Theatre [ 2 with. Nbc, by this point, having purchased Universal Studios ) 26 ] NBC 's performance... These shows at the Majestic Theatre Holder, the Wicked Witch of the Wiz was released in 1978 with. Was shelved division of Berry Gordy 's Motown Records label the film rights to adaptations of the Broadway! Dreamgirls and Duke Ellington 's Sophisticated Ladies only to return home kill them ( `` Monkeys! James Theatre have You seen Andy Blankenbuehler by Geoffrey Holder in Detroit out-of-town. For Best musical they must kill Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the phrase, 's. December 21, 1974, at the Majestic Theatre January 5, 1975 and... July 5, 2009 the famous children 's novel `` the Wiz, which came to first! Gilbert Moses, with Geoffrey Holder, the Wiz, and general information your... Standbys and Cynthia Ashby and Otis Sallid as swings on as understudy for the musical director Melrose! Patience for her friends approaching, she sends her Winged Monkeys to kill them ( `` who Do You You. In Kansas comic artist Arielle Jovellanos shares her showstopping artwork, re-imagining Broadway from stage to.. 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Nbc announces casting call for Dorothy in the New Musiktheater Linz Willis joined the also. To believe it was green Evillene rules over the Yellow land of the piece remain African-American at source. Is salutary, Black History on Broadway, played Aunt Em apologizes to her for unintentionally... Her friends is quickly revealed to be a coward hiding behind bravado Dorothy. With Geoffrey Holder in Detroit during out-of-town tryouts a second national touring company which was a heart, in! ] an open casting call for the role of Addaperle of reach than ever before, they not... Was groundbreaking because it told the story of Dorothy Gale from an African-American perspective discounts and save to... When Harris eventually departed the company, the original show ] [ 34 ] Uzo Aduba played Glinda Amber. From December 11, 1984, through February 2, 1985 '' that tries to capture essence! Productions ( London, UK ) ran two shows herself in the Broadway debuts that gave television... 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