The Wiz, a beloved Broadway musical based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” is set to return to Broadway in 2024. The revival of this Tony Award-winning Best Musical will feature a talented cast, including Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow. Wayne Brady and Alan Mingo Jr. will alternate in the role of the Wiz.
Cast of The Wiz
The production will be directed by Schele Williams, with additional material by Amber Ruffin. The creative team also includes Joseph Joubert as music supervisor, orchestrations, and arrangements, with dance arrangements by Adam Blackstone.
The design team includes Hannah Beachler for scenic design, Sharen Davis for costume design, Ryan J. O’Gara for lighting design, Jon Weston for sound design, Daniel Brodie for video & projections, Charles G. LaPointe for wig design, and Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche for makeup.The Wiz originally premiered on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score, Featured Actor in a Musical, Featured Actress in a Musical, Choreography, and Direction of a Musical and Costume Design, both for Geoffrey Holder.
The musical was later adapted into a film in 1978 and a live TV production in 2015.The Broadway revival of The Wiz is set to begin previews on March 29, 2024, at the Marquis Theatre, with an opening night scheduled for April 17, 2024. The production is produced by a group of A-list producers, including Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, and Ambassador Theatre Group, as well as Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker, Common, MC Lyte, Deborah Cox, and Lascelles Stephens.
The Wiz is a musical extravaganza that has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. The revival promises to bring a fresh and contemporary take on the classic story, while still retaining the soulful music, iconic characters, and magical charm that have made The Wiz a beloved Broadway classic. With a talented cast, creative team, and production team, The Wiz is set to delight audiences once again at the Marquis Theatre in 2024.The revival of The Wiz is a Broadway-bound adaptation that launched its Pre-Broadway National Tour in September 2023.
The production features a creative team led by director Schele Williams and includes choreographer JaQuel Knight, book writer William F. Brown, music & lyrics by Charlie Smalls, additional material by Amber Ruffin, music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert, vocal & music arrangements by Allen René Louis, dance music arrangements by Adam Blackstone and Terence Vaughn, music direction by Paul Byssainthe Jr., scenic design by Academy Award winner Hannah Beachler, costume design by two-time Academy Award nominee Sharen Davis, lighting design by Emmy and Barrymore Award winner Ryan J. O’Gara, sound design by Jon Weston, video & projections by Daniel Brodie, wig design by Drama Desk Award winner Charles G. LaPointe, and makeup by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche.
The revival of The Wiz has been met with enthusiasm and excitement from audiences and critics alike. The production has been praised for its contemporary take on the classic story, its talented cast, and its stunning visuals. The revival is set to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre in New York in late March 2024, with an opening night scheduled for April 17, 2024.The Wiz is a musical that has inspired generations of audiences and performers. The revival of this beloved Broadway classic is sure to captivate audiences once again with its soulful music, iconic characters, and magical charm. With a talented cast, creative team, and production team, The Wiz is set to delight audiences once again at the Marquis Theatre in 2024.
What is the story behind The Wiz and how did it become a classic musical
The Wiz is a musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The musical was first conceived by Ken Harper in the early 1970s, and it was initially marred by racist backlash due to its African-American culture context. The pre-Broadway version of the show was a disaster, but it was saved by director Geoffrey Holder, who brought back some notable parts of the show and successfully marketed it to African-American communities. The Broadway version of The Wiz ran for over 1,600 performances and was a huge success, earning Holder accolades for his direction and costume design.The Wiz’s success on Broadway led to a movie adaptation in 1978, starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.
However, the movie was initially criticized for its casting and was not well-received by critics or audiences. Over the years, however, the movie has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic.The Wiz features an all-Black cast and is a reinterpretation of the classic Wizard of Oz story, with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk music. The musical has been praised for its diverse representation and its ability to bring a fresh perspective to a well-known story.The Wiz’s impact on Black music theatre is significant, as it showcases the rich history of Black music and dance. The musical’s score is packed with soulful melodies and infectious rhythms, and its choreography is a fusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop. The Wiz’s music and dance have influenced several music genres, including R&B and modern types of dance.
In conclusion, The Wiz is a classic musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Its African-American culture context, diverse representation, and infectious music and dance have made it a beloved staple of Black music theatre. The Wiz’s impact on Black music and dance is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
How did the Wiz differ from the original wizard of OZ story
The Wiz is a musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The musical was first conceived by Ken Harper in the early 1970s and made its Broadway debut in 1975. The Wiz differed from the original Wizard of Oz story in several ways, including its setting and characters.One of the most significant differences between the two is the setting. In the original story, Dorothy lives in Kansas and is transported to the magical land of Oz after a tornado hits her home.
In The Wiz, Dorothy is a 24-year-old kindergarten teacher living in an apartment in Harlem, New York City. She is transported to Oz after being caught in a blizzard and sucked up by a tornado.The characters in The Wiz also differ from the original story. The Wiz features an all-Black cast, including Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, and Richard Pryor as the Wiz. In contrast, the original story featured American star actors such as Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, and Jack Haley.
The Wiz also differs in its themes and messages. While the original story focused on the love of a family and appreciating what one has, The Wiz is a journey to find one’s place in the world and love oneself and what one has to offer the world. The musical also makes cultural and political statements, with its set design and costumes emulating American places and grounding the story in realism to further highlight the real-life experiences of Black Americans.The music in The Wiz also differs from the original story. The musical features original songs with Motown influences that give the classic story much more soul, emotion, and energy.
In contrast, the original story featured songs such as “Over the Rainbow” that have become iconic in their own right.In conclusion, The Wiz differed from the original Wizard of Oz story in several ways, including its setting, characters, themes, and music. While the original story remains a classic, The Wiz offered a unique and culturally relevant adaptation that has become a beloved musical in its own right.