Based on L. Frank Baum's children's book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", The Wiz takes one of the world's most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies, and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages. Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), this entirely reimagined revival is directed by Schele Williams, choreographed by Jaquel Knight, additional material by Amber Ruffin, and music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert.
Surprisingly, it’s Wayne Brady as The Wiz who underwhelms; his entrance is surprisingly lowkey, and though his voice is serviceably charming, it’s leagues behind his co-stars. His shoddy throne throws a glaring light on the production’s prudence of grandeur. The real riches are in the cast’s connection to each other, and to the material. Its young leads, as well as their more experienced counterparts, are having the time of their lives and making the most of their roles, singing with an infectious joy typically missing from oft-retread properties. The road to success might have a few bricks missing, but it’s a golden one nonetheless.
This revival, directed by Schele Williams and with a book update by Amber Ruffin, toured the country before coming to Broadway, and will ease on back out there later this year. I first caught it in Chicago, when the production remained a bit of a mess, and can report that the Broadway version reflects a lot of good new work. An initially bizarre approach to “Brand New Day” has been visually retooled and, although JaQuel Knight’s choreography retains an eccentric dimension (and I say why not?), it’s now a bright detour into psychedelic “Hair” territory. The show is modestly scaled; the quirky set is from Hannah Beachler and the costumes, which are fun and referential, are by Sharen Davis. Wayne Brady has been added to the cast in a title role that’s more of a cameo, really. But The Wiz really has to be a face that audiences recognize, that’s just about as important as the quality of the performance, and Brady is well within his wheelhouse and perfectly fine. He does what needs to be done and is bathed in a warm responsive bath.
General Rush
Price: $45
Where: Marquis Theatre box office (210 W 46th St)
When: Beginning at 10 AM ET on the day of the performance.
Limit: Two per customer.
Information: Subject to daily availability. Seat locations for this program vary and may be available in all sections of the theatre. Locations are determined each by the show’s management and assigned at the discretion of the Box Office at time of purchase.
Digital Lottery:
Price: $45
Where: https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/the-wiz-ny/.
When: Winners are drawn the same day at 3 PM ET and will have one hour to pay for their tickets online.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Lottery seats may be partial view.
1975 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1976 | US Tour |
1st National Tour US Tour |
1978 | US Tour |
2nd National Tour US Tour |
1980 |
Regional Revival |
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1984 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
1984 | West End |
London Revival West End |
1993 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway Revival Off-Broadway |
1997 | US Tour |
Touring Revival US Tour |
2006 | San Diego, CA (Regional) |
La Jolla Revival San Diego, CA (Regional) |
2015 | New York |
NBC Live Television Production New York |
2018 | St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
Muny Revival St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
2023 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
2024 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Nichelle Lewis |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | The Wiz |
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