Interview: Phoenix LaFreniere of THE WIZ at Bass Concert Hall
THE WIZ eases on down the road to Austin May 12th through 17th
BroadwayWorld recently caught up with actor and singer Dana Cimone LaFreniere, currently appearing as Dorothy in the national tour of THE WIZ, about stepping into a production that understands exactly what audiences cherish about this groundbreaking musical while still daring to ask what THE WIZ sounds and feels like now. That balancing act of honoring legacy without getting trapped in nostalgia is part of what gives this revival its electricity.
In our conversation, LaFreniere reflected on the emotional weight of performing “Home” night after night, the evolving soundscape of the production, and the surprising intimacy that can emerge while living life on the road. What emerged was not just excitement about a beloved show returning to audiences across the country, but a clear sense of why THE WIZ continues to resonate nearly fifty years later: joy, heart, identity, and the enduring human search for belonging.
BWW: THE WIZ has such a beloved legacy, and revivals hold promise when the show takes risks. Where do you feel this production is being bold, and why does that matter now?
LaFreniere: I think this production is really bold because it respects everything people already love about THE WIZ while still making it feel fresh and current. We’re not trying to copy what’s been done before — we’re bringing new energy, updated staging, and a more modern sound to it while still keeping the heart of the show intact. It is such a beautiful story about love, friendship, believing in yourself, and finding joy and belonging in unlikely places and people. I think those are all timeless themes and there’s something for everyone to connect with in this story.
BWW: The music has been reimagined for today after 45 years! Did anything about that challenge your expectations of what THE WIZ “should” sound like?
LaFreniere: The music is so great, and I grew up with the movie and these songs, so I had a very specific idea in my head of what THE WIZ sounded like. But hearing the updated arrangements and how they blend the original soul and funk influences with newer sounds was really exciting. It still feels like THE WIZ, just with a fresh energy. I think it actually made me appreciate how timeless the music is because it can evolve and still connect with people the same way.
BWW: Touring brings THE WIZ to so many different communities. Have there been any audience reactions or moments on the road that have stayed with you?
LaFreniere: It’s honestly been really special seeing how emotional people get about this show. There are audience members who grew up with THE WIZ and know every song, and then there are kids seeing it for the first time. You can feel that excitement in the room. I think the moments that stick with me most are hearing people talk after the show about how much it meant to them to see themselves reflected on stage or how the story brought back memories from childhood. Those conversations are really meaningful.
BWW: You’re telling a story about finding “home” while constantly leaving places behind. Has touring shifted your own understanding of what home actually is?
LaFreniere: “Home” feels the most personal to me because I’ve known every word basically my whole life and as someone who is very family/love oriented it has such a beautiful message. Home can be found anywhere and this song and show prove that. It can be the people you’re surrounded by and the connections you make along the way. Singing “Home” every night honestly hits differently when you’re constantly traveling. It’s made the message of the song feel even more personal to me.
BWW: What feels especially personal for you in this production at this point in your life?
LaFreniere: A lot of this feels personal for me because THE WIZ has been part of my life for so long. I grew up watching the movie, and my mom used to sing “Home” all the time, so getting to perform that song every night is really emotional in the best way. And since this is also my national touring Broadway debut, it just feels like a huge full-circle moment for me personally and professionally.
BWW: What do you hope audiences take away from the experience?
LaFreniere: I hope people leave feeling joyful and inspired. The show is so fun and energetic, but at the center of it is this really beautiful message about believing in yourself, finding love and connection, and realizing you already have what you need inside of you. I hope audiences leave feeling lighter, happier, and maybe even a little more hopeful.
The national tour of THE WIZ continues to travel the country with all the color, soul, warmth, and theatrical exuberance audiences hope for from this iconic musical. But beneath the spectacle is something more lasting: a story that still reaches people where they are. For LaFreniere, the production lives at the intersection of memory, artistry, and personal milestone—a full-circle experience rooted in childhood connection and realized onstage eight performances a week. And perhaps that’s part of the enduring magic of THE WIZ itself. Decades later, the show still knows how to entertain us, move us, and gently remind us that the courage, love, and sense of home we’re searching for may have been with us all along. The Tony award winning musical THE WIZ returns “home” at The Bass Concert Hall May 12th through 17th. Tix are available here. https://texasperformingarts.org/event/the-wiz-broadway-austin-2026/
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