Broadway star Dee Roscioli credits her time at Wilson Area High School under drama teacher Danny Kaye with opening her eyes to what her voice could do.

“At Wilson, I got to play my first lead and learned about my voice,” says the Wilson Borough native and Wilson, Class of 1995 graduate.

Roscioli, who has played the lead role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, in the Broadway hit production of “Wicked,” as well as the national tour, more than any other actress, returns to her Lehigh Valley roots to play Evita Peron in the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) production of “Evita,” June 14-July 20, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley.

For Roscioli, a 1999 DeSales graduate, returning to campus to perform is always a special thrill.

“Coming to DeSales to study theater was the best decisions I ever made,” she says. ”It was the perfect fit for me. It was small and tight-knit, and we got the kind of attention we needed to flourish and grow. It’s nice to be back in the buildings that I really grew up in.”

The PSF production of “Evita” has given Roscioli that same feeling of family that she relished as an undergraduate.

“We have a really wonderful cast,” she says. “Each person brings something unique to the performance. We are having a great time putting this together, I’m cherishing this time.”

In addition to “Evita,” Roscioli will perform a one-night only concert at 7:30 p.m. July 31 on the Main Stage.

“It’s a fun cabaret,” she says, “with some of my favorite songs, pop hits and Broadway.”

Roscioli is grateful for her time on Broadway as the iconic Elphaba in “Wicked.”

“I was fortunate enough to be in that role for such a long time. I got to explore and evolve. It was a lot of work and I learned a lot about myself.”

Roscioli continues to live in New York City, but stays close to her Easton area roots, visiting her parents in the Lehigh Valley often. She looks forward to continuing her work in theater and expanding her opportunities.

“I’m really interested in originating rolls,” she says, “and also more work in TV and film.”

Tickets: pashakespeare.org, 610-282-WILL (9455)