LOTUSCHICAGO.ORG: The Wiz Interactive Viewing Groove!
Schedule
Sat Feb 28 2026 at 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
NEIU Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), East Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, IL, USA | Chicago, IL
About this Event
Lotuschicago.org, with support from NEIU's CCICS, and Moor's Brewing, presents year 3 of The Wiz Interactive Viewing Experience! This is not a screening. It’s a communal ritual disguised as a movie night.
Picture this: the film plays, but the audience is the engine. The screen is the backdrop, not the focus. From the moment people enter through the “Servants Entrance,” they’re invited to choose a side, a color, a character, a posture. Green, red, or gold. Sit still in the back if you must, but understand you’re opting out of the parade.
Lights rise and fall as cues, not decoration. When the house lights lift, it’s an invitation. Come sing. Come dance. Come testify. Khari works the room like a ringleader, hype moving aisle to aisle. Planted singers bloom from the crowd. Breakdancers pop up in Munchkinland. Poppy girls drift in with foam “dust.” Beach balls fly. Kazoos become drink tickets. Bubbles rain when it’s time to wake Dorothy. At certain moments, everybody moves seats. You don’t watch “rep yo set,” you do it.
THE WIZ — ADULTS-ONLY INTERACTIVE COSPLAY FILM NIGHT
What it is
• A live, participatory screening of the 1978 film The Wiz
• Think Rocky Horror energy, but soulful, joyful, and intentional
• Adults only
What makes it interactive
• Call-and-response moments (no yelling, no heckling)
• Simple props at your seat to use during key scenes
• Group movement, light ritual moments, and shared laughs
• Participation is optional — watching is welcome
Cosplay
• Dress as a character, concept, or vibe from The Wiz
• Bold, playful, expressive encouraged
• No costume pressure — presence counts
The vibe
• Community joy, not parody
• Funk, soul, humor, and heart
• Respectful, playful, grown-folk fun
Why it matters
• Proceeds benefit communities of children who attend L.O.T.U.S. experiences and programming
• Your ticket supports creative learning, exposure, and joy for young people across Chicago
What you’ll do
• Watch the film together
• React together (at the right moments)
• Laugh, hum, clap, and ease on down the road
• Stay for a short reflection if you want
What it’s not
• Not a lecture
• Not a sing-along the whole time
• Not forced participation
• Not for kids
Why come
• You love The Wiz
• You miss communal movie nights
• You want nostalgia with meaning
• You want to play again — on/with purpose
Bottom line
• Dress up if you want
• Join in if you want
• Come as you are
• Leave lighter
2 shows:
Build up and rituals begin at 11a to 2p (Film starts at 12 sharp) Family Show - Children of all ages are welcome. (Another link)
Rituals and Libations begin at 6p to 11p (Film starts at 8 sharp) - Adults Only! 21+ Hosted by The Debauchery Ball's very own Disco Poet Khari B!
Where is it happening?
NEIU Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), East Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, IL, USA, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 50.00
