Interview: Phoenix LaFreniere Brings The National Tour of THE WIZ to Toledo

In its fourth engagement of the 2025–26 season, Broadway in Toledo brings the all-new North American tour of THE WIZ to Stranahan Theater. More than 40 years after its Broadway debut, the Tony Award-winning reimagining of The Wizard of Oz continues to delight audiences with its iconic score blending soul, gospel, funk, and R&B.
I recently spoke with Phoenix LaFreniere, who is making her national tour debut as Dorothy, performing beloved songs including “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home” for audiences across the country. We discussed the show, stepping into such an iconic role, and what Toledo audiences can expect from this fresh revival.

Is it a dream come true playing Dorothy in the national tour of THE WIZ?

Yes, it really is. I came into the role in kind of a roundabout way. I was originally cast in the ensemble and as an understudy for Dorothy. I joined the tour back in January, so I’ve only been here a couple of months, but about a week into rehearsals they recast me as Dorothy. It’s been really crazy.

This is your first national tour. What has surprised you most about the process?

I think how challenging it is. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t really understand just how hard until I was actually doing it. But I’m having a lot of fun. It’s definitely a challenge.

I had the chance to catch the tour early in its run, and there was such excitement and joy from the audience right from the start. Are you finding that same response in different cities?

Definitely. It depends on the audience, but pretty much every city has that excitement. There’s cheering when the overture starts and when the curtain comes up. Everybody is having a great time — laughing and cheering throughout the whole show.

Many audiences know THE WIZ through the original Broadway cast recording, the film adaptation, or the live television production. What can Toledo audiences expect from this version?

Well, this year is the 50th anniversary of the original show, so the creative team did something really awesome. We have songs from both the Broadway show and the movie, plus a completely new script with new dialogue and everything.
The fun thing about this production is that whether you know the original musical or the movie, there’s going to be something familiar for you. That hasn’t been done before, so it’s really exciting. You can expect to be dancing in your seat and just having a great time. It’s a really fun show.

You are following a long line of legendary performers who have played Dorothy. What makes your portrayal unique?

My Dorothy has a lot of myself in it because I already feel very similar to Dorothy. The lines feel natural coming out of me, so instead of trying to become somebody else, I bring more of myself into the role.
Of course, I’m inspired by Stephanie Mills, Diana Ross, and all the Dorothys who came before me, but I let those influences wash over me instead of trying to recreate them. I grew up with THE WIZ, too. I wasn’t around when it first came out, but I grew up watching the movie. My version of Dorothy comes from all of that.

One of the show’s most beloved songs is “Home,” which is all about love, belonging, and the feeling of home. While you’re touring, what gives you that feeling?

I think one of the main themes of the show is that home becomes less about a physical place and more about where you feel most like yourself — where you feel loved and accepted.
Even though that can be a specific location, it can also be the people around you or the feeling you have day to day. That’s definitely what I take with me on tour. I feel really comfortable with the people around me, I’m doing something I love, and I’m having fun every night. I don’t need to be in one specific place to feel at home.
 

Is there anything you’d like to say to Toledo audiences before arriving in town?

Just get ready to dance and have fun!

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