I like "The Wiz." I don't think it's the most polished show of the past year from Good Company because of some weaknesses in vocals and choreography, but this nicely directed production has a heart big enough to be divided amongst an army of appreciative Tin Men. The show has a warm, goofy sensibility that meshes nicely with the 1970s-tripped-out setting of this "Wizard of Oz" adaptation. I've seen shows set in the '70s that felt more like museum pieces than anything else -- look at those weird clothes people used to wear! -- but this "Wiz" doesn't gawk. It gently celebrates the flash and sparkle of an era.

When the original musical opened in the 1970s, it was one of the first shows on Broadway to feature an all-black cast. More folks today are probably familiar with the 1978 movie, in which an obviously too-old Diana Ross snagged the leading role of Dorothy, than the stage musical.

In terms of ethnicity, director Dan Pessano has opted for a more widely diverse approach to casting, and the impact is wonderful. Many of the leading roles are played by black actors, as it should be, but the overall impact is decidedly rainbow. It's a nice, bright, inclusive feeling.

News reports including the L.A. Times say that the California Supreme Court will issue its long-awaited decision on the validity of the state's same-sex marriage ban on Tuesday. That means that the long-planned "Meet in the Middle 4 Equality," the statewide gay rights rally scheduled to be held at Fresno City Hall on the Saturday following the Supreme Court ruling, will be coming May 30. The Meet in the Middle Web site has all the details.

Logistically speaking, I'm sure it's been a challenge to plan a statewide rally without knowing its exact date. I'm guessing that event organizers are relieved that it didn't end up on Memorial Day weekend. (Just think of the competition for hotels with Fresno State's commencement ceremonies.) This gives organizers a little more time to nail down the details on what they're hoping is a mammoth turnout.

(Thanks for the Beehive tip this morning, Stephen.)

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around business reporter Bethany Clough's report in today's Bee that women's clothing retailer Forever 21 has its eye on a bunch of dying Gottschalks stores, including Fashion Fair and River Park. Isn't that like, say, a store the size of Radio Shack expanding into Circuit City? Are we really going to get stuck with THREE floors of bright-and-boppy mall-girl fashions targeted at "Twilight" fans? (Actually, Forever 21 says it'll add men's clothes as well.)

OK, I'll admit I've never been in Forever 21 except to take a shortcut through to the parking lot, but what I saw certainly didn't seem to fit the general-interest department-store bill to me. Three floors, two big Fresno stores? Something tells me that all those loyal little old lady-Gottschalks costumers who have been shopping there since 1684 or whenever the venerable chain was founded aren't going to find much to buy in its replacement.

Update 1 p.m.: Here's Bethany's news blog post on the subject.

Update 4 p.m.: Wow, stuff happens fast in the retail world. Bethany reports online that Forever 21 already has dropped its River Park plans. (Did you get to take a lunch break today, Bethany? What do you think will break by the end of the day -- that Sak's Fifth Avenue is moving to Fresno?)