The Wiz 1975 - Articles Page 17

Ages: 8+
Opened: January 5, 1975
Closing: January 28, 1979

The Wiz - 1975 - Broadway History , Info & More

Majestic Theatre (Broadway)
245 West 44th St. New York, NY

based on the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

It’s got rock. It’s got gospel. It’s got soul. And oh my, the dancing! In a dream collaboration, Dallas Theater Center and Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the city’s oldest continuously operating dance company, fill the Wyly Theatre with dancing, singing and laughter for the dazzling musical that won seven Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 1975. Featuring Brierley Resident Acting Company members Liz Mikel and Hassan El-Amin, this eye-popping, high-energy family hit starts with a tornado and keeps lifting from there, as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion “Ease on Down the Road” and ultimately learn there’s no place like home.

The Wiz - 1975 - Broadway Cast

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The Wiz - 1975 - Broadway Articles Page 17

BWW SPECIAL FEATURE: How I Got My Equity Card - By Andre De Shields
by Robert Diamond - Apr 17, 2010


It was 1969 - the final Summer of Love. I was a dyed-in-the-paisley hippie: sandals on my feet, elephant bell bottoms hugging low on my hips, love beads strung around my neck and flowers in my Jimi Hendrix size Afro...

Tony Walton Directs Concert Of New Musical TRANSPORT At The Irish Arts Center 4/30-5/2
by Charlie Piane - Apr 9, 2010


The Irish Arts Center and 1407 Productions LLC announce a world premiere concert performance of TRANSPORT, a new musical by Thomas Keneally and Larry Kirwan, directed by Tony Walton, as part of the Irish Arts Center New Plays Partnership Series.

National Jazz Museum Announces March Events
by BWW News Desk - Mar 2, 2010


In March 2010, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem presents public programming that brings jazz fans closer to artists-emerging to living masters-that embody the art form that defines America to itself and to the world.

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem Announces Feb 2010 Events
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 28, 2010


The National Jazz Museum in Harlem's February 2010 schedule of events are chock full of choices for all from newcomers to the music to seasoned fans of music.

National Jazz Museum in Harlem Announces Their February Schedule
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 27, 2010


The National Jazz Museum in Harlem's February 2010 schedule of events are chock full of choices for all from newcomers to the music to seasoned fans of music.

'The Mel Brooks Collection On Blu-ray Disc' Set for 12/15 Release
by BWW News Desk - Dec 15, 2009


Best known as a creator of broad film farces and uproarious parodies, jack-of-all-trades Mel Brooks has been entertaining audiences for years with his wacky and absurdist humor. Now just in time for the holidays, the king of comedy's brilliant work is available for the first time in high definition in The Mel Brooks Collection on Blu-ray Disc, debuting December 15 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Review - The Wiz: Road Show
by Kristin Salaky - Jun 23, 2009


Along with contempt, familiarity is also pretty good at breeding hit Broadway musicals. Take The Wiz, for example; the perfectly pleasant but sketchily written 1975 Tony winner for Best Musical that, if it weren't based on L. Frank Baum's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (which became an iconic American story once MGM got its hands on it), would probably leave audiences completely baffled as to what the devil was going on.

'The Mel Brooks Collection On Blu-ray Disc' Set for 12/15 Release
by Eddie Varley - Sep 25, 2009


Best known as a creator of broad film farces and uproarious parodies, jack-of-all-trades Mel Brooks has been entertaining audiences for years with his wacky and absurdist humor. Now just in time for the holidays, the king of comedy's brilliant work is available for the first time in high definition in The Mel Brooks Collection on Blu-ray Disc, debuting December 15 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Broadway Blog - The Wiz: Road Show
by BWW News Desk - Jun 23, 2009


Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

The Wiz Holds Free Post-Matinee Talkbacks With The Director & Company 6/24, 7/1
by BWW News Desk - Jun 24, 2009


The Encores! Summer Stars production of The Wiz will hold two free post-matinee talkbacks and audience Q&A sessions with Encores! Artistic Director Jack Viertel and members of the company on Wednesday, June 24 and Wednesday, July 1 at New York City Center, 131 W. 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue).

Photo Flash: Andre De Shields Visits THE WIZ
by Charlie Piane - Jun 23, 2009


Two-Time Tony Award nominee André De Shields, who created the title role of 'The Wiz' in the original Broadway production (1975), caught the ENCORES! production of 'The Wiz' last night and visited the members of the cast backstage.

The Wiz Holds Free Post-Matinee Talkbacks With The Director & Company 6/24, 7/1
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jun 16, 2009


The Encores! Summer Stars production of The Wiz will hold two free post-matinee talkbacks and audience Q&A sessions with Encores! Artistic Director Jack Viertel and members of the company on Wednesday, June 24 and Wednesday, July 1 at New York City Center, 131 W. 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue).

Photo Flash: Ashanti Stars in Encores! Summer Stars THE WIZ
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jun 1, 2009


The Encores! Summer Stars production of The Wiz, starring Ashanti, LaChanze and Orlando Jones, will open on Thursday, June 18 at New York City Center. (Previews begin June 12). Easing down the road with Ashanti's Dorothy will be Joshua Henry, James Monroe Iglehart, Christian White, Tichina Arnold and Dawnn Lewis.

Photo Coverage: THE WIZ's Ashanti and Nigel Host 'There's No Place Like Home' Adoption Day at City Center
by Eddie Varley - Jun 1, 2009


'There's No Place Like Home' for homeless shelter dogs, according to Nigel, the former street-dog-turned-stage-star, who is making his New York professional debut in The Wiz at City Center in June. The need for a home is what inspired Nigel, along with co-star Ashanti (who plays Dorothy) to host 'There's No Place Like Home' Adoption Day on Saturday, May 30th at at City Center (55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues). BroadwayWorld.com was there for all the 'WIZ' filled fun!

'There's No Place Like Home' Dog Adoption Day With Ashanti And Nigel 5/30
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2009


'There's No Place Like Home' for homeless shelter dogs, according to Nigel, the former street-dog-turned-stage-star, who is making his New York professional debut in The Wiz at City Center in June. The need for a home is what inspired Nigel, along with co-star Ashanti (who plays Dorothy) to host 'There's No Place Like Home'Adoption Day on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am at City Center (55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues).

THE WIZ Gets Extended At Playhouse On The Green, Added Dates 5/15-5/17
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2009


Due to popular demand, Playhouse on the Green, Bridgeport's not-for-profit community theater, has extended the run of its production of the Tony Award® winning musical THE WIZ for three additional performances: Friday, May 15 at 8PM; Saturday, May 16 at 8PM; and Sunday, May 17 at 3PM.

'There's No Place Like Home' Dog Adoption Day With Ashanti And Nigel 5/30
by Charlie Piane - May 13, 2009


'There's No Place Like Home' for homeless shelter dogs, according to Nigel, the former street-dog-turned-stage-star, who is making his New York professional debut in The Wiz at City Center in June. The need for a home is what inspired Nigel, along with co-star Ashanti (who plays Dorothy) to host 'There's No Place Like Home'Adoption Day on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am at City Center (55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues).

Encores! THE WIZ Completes Casting with 'Nigel' as Toto
by Robert Diamond - May 12, 2009


Nigel, a brindle-hair Cairn Terrier, will be making his professional stage debut as Toto in the Encores! Summer Stars production of The Wiz, starring Ashanti as Dorothy, June 12 - July 5 at New York City Center, 131 W. 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues).

Orlando Jones and LaChanze Join Cast of Encores! THE WIZ; Full Cast Announced
by Robert Diamond - May 7, 2009


Orlando Jones will play The Wiz, and Tony Award-winning actress LaChanze will play Glinda, the good witch, in the Encores! Summer Stars production of The Wiz, starring Ashanti, June 12 July 5 at New York City Center. Glinda's sister-witches will include Tichina Arnold as Evillene and Dawnn Lewis as Addaperle. Easing down the road with Ashanti's Dorothy will be Joshua Henry as the Tinman, James Monroe Iglehart as the Lion and Christian White as the Scarecrow.

THE WIZ Author William F. Brown Holds Post Show Q&A 4/26
by BWW News Desk - Apr 26, 2009


Playhouse on the Green, Bridgeport's not-for-profit community theater, is pleased to announce that the author of the book to the Tony Award® winning musical The Wiz, William F. Brown of Fairfield, will participate in a post-show Q&A session about the show and his career on Broadway and off on Sunday, April 26, 2009, following the 3PM matinee performance.

THE WIZ Gets Extended At Playhouse On The Green, Added Dates 5/15-5/17
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 20, 2009


Due to popular demand, Playhouse on the Green, Bridgeport's not-for-profit community theater, has extended the run of its production of the Tony Award® winning musical THE WIZ for three additional performances: Friday, May 15 at 8PM; Saturday, May 16 at 8PM; and Sunday, May 17 at 3PM.

THE WIZ Author William F. Brown Holds Post Show Q&A 4/26
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 2, 2009


Playhouse on the Green, Bridgeport's not-for-profit community theater, is pleased to announce that the author of the book to the Tony Award® winning musical The Wiz, William F. Brown of Fairfield, will participate in a post-show Q&A session about the show and his career on Broadway and off on Sunday, April 26, 2009, following the 3PM matinee performance.

Encores! Brings THE WIZ 'Down the Road' to City Center June 2009
by Eddie Varley - Feb 24, 2009


The New York Times is reporting that THE WIZ will 'Ease on Down the Road' to the New York City Center as it has announced that it would stage a revival of 'The Wiz' as its Encores! Summer Stars production.

Photo Flash: Pennington Players' THE WIZ
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 19, 2009


Folks, we're not in Kansas anymore. Join the Pennington Players as they present Dorothy and friends Motown-style in 'The Wiz' at Mercer County Community College. Dates and show times for this contemporary retelling of L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' are: Fridays and Saturdays, March 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on March 6. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

NSMT Tickets Available Starting 4/7
by BWW News Desk - Mar 29, 2008


The award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) has announced that single tickets for the 2008 musical season will go on sale to the general public on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 9:00 am. Individual tickets will be available for the eight shows included in the 2008 musical season. Tickets can be purchased in person at the NSMT box office at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA, as well as online (www.nsmt.org) and by phone (978-232-7200).

Other Productions of The Wiz

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
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

The Wiz - 1975 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1975 Tony Awards Best Choreography George Faison
1975 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Geoffrey Holder
1975 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Geoffrey Holder
1975 Tony Awards Best Musical Ken Harper
1975 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ted Ross
1975 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Dee Dee Bridgewater

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