Review Roundup: What Did Critics Think Of The Muny's THE WIZ?

Based on L. Frank Baum's nostalgic classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz is considered a feel-good favorite sparkling with heart-pounding soul, unforgettable gospel and infectious rock rhythms. Grammy Award-winner for Best Cast Show Album and ranked as one of the highest watched live television musicals, this reimagined familiar favorite has audiences ready to "Ease on Down the Road" to meet The Wiz for yourself!

The exceptionally talented cast includes Danyel Fulton (Dorothy), Nathan Lee Graham (The Wiz), Jared Grimes (Scarecrow), Darius de Haas (Lion), James T. Lane (Tinman), E. Faye Butler (Addaperle/Evillene), Demetria McKinney (Glinda/Aunt Em) and Nessa (Toto). A sensational ensemble completes this cast, including Akilah Ayanna, Rhaamell Burke-Missouri, Kevin Curtis, Chloé Davis, Timothy L. Edwards, Chavon Hampton, Cameron Anika Hill, Karma Jenkins, Amber Barbee Pickens, Malaiyka Reid, Allysa Shorte, Donald Shorter Jr., Voltaire Wade-Greene, Sir Brock Warren, Nathaniel J. Washington and Brion Marquis Watson. The company is also joined by the Muny Kid and Teen youth ensembles.

An outstanding creative team leads this production with direction by Denis Jones, choreography by Camille A. Brown, music direction by Darryl Archibald, scenic design by Edward E. Haynes Jr., costume design by Leon Dobkowski, lighting design by Rob Denton, sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge, video design by Greg Emetaz, wig design by Leah J. Loukas, with animals trained by William Berloni Theatrical Animals, Inc. and production stage management by Nancy Uffner.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Kevin C. Johnson, St. Louis Post Dispatch: And the performances don't disappoint. Fulton as Dorothy has a Stephanie Mills quality (Mills originated the role on Broadway), a credit to Fulton. Her show-closing "Home" was heartwarming. Dorothy's three besties (Grimes, Lane and de Haas) were great, and we can't say enough about Graham and Butler.

Kevin Brackett, Reviews STL: The practical sets designed by Edward E. Haynes Jr. are breathtaking and mesh perfectly with the digital effects. There are so many fantastic colors that pop right off the stage, yet they never send the audience into sensory overload. Everything about the show is mesmerizing, making it impossible not to instantly get sucked in to the land of Oz. The Muny makes full use of the giant video screen at the back of the stage, with gorgeous video backdrops designed by Greg Emetaz. And I loved the way Dorothy and her friends would "Ease on Down the Road" via the stage extension that came out and around the orchestra. It was really neat to see the characters singing and dancing almost in the audience as they came out from the stage.

Harry Hamm, KMOX Radio: Because the show was so late beginning (intermission came at 11 p.m.,) I had to leave before the second act was over due to a work schedule conflict. But I'm confident when I say I believe you and your family will enjoy this production a lot, all the way to the end of the yellow brick road.

Mark Bretz, Ladue News: Danyel Fulton brings a beautiful voice and determined spirit to Dorothy, while Webster Conservatory alum Nathan Lee Graham shows both commanding fear and warm vulnerability as the mysterious Wizard. Jared Grimes is a wonderfully lithe and limber Scarecrow with a contagiously warm personality, James T. Lane brings plenty of fancy moves to the surprisingly smooth Tinman and Darius de Haas is an audience favorite as the bravery-challenged but big- hearted Lion.

Amy Burger, KDHX: Though Act One is lengthier, setting up the story and bringing it to its dramatic apex, Act Two packs the heaviest musical punch with songs and performances that speak most directly to the show's critical messages including the joy of friendship, looking within yourself to achieve your dreams and the loving embrace of home.

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