The Wiz Touring Reviews

THE WIZ seems to rush through Act I quickly, with brief introductions to each character, and songs that do have a similar, nondescript tone. It takes a while to develop a sense of heart for these street smart versions of Dorothy's pals. Luckily the s...

THE WIZ seems to rush through Act I quickly, with brief introductions to each character, and songs that do have a similar, nondescript tone. It takes a while to develop a sense of heart for these street smart versions of Dorothy's pals. Luckily the second Act allows the group to meld better. The reveal of the Wiz's trickery was just as disappointing as ever, only to be resolved by Glinda once again. By the time the cast sings "Everybody Rejoice" (aka "Can You Feel A Brand New Day" by Luther Vandross) we are thrown back into the the psychodelic land of the 1970's, with a paean as uplifting as "Let The Sun Shine In" from HAIR.

“The Wiz,” currently at The Bushnell, sizzles on every level. Hannah Beachler’s psychedelic sets and Daniel Brodie’s incredible video and projections are mind-blowing. Ryan J. O’Gara’s lighting bedazzles, and Sharen Davis’ costumes are ...

“The Wiz,” currently at The Bushnell, sizzles on every level. Hannah Beachler’s psychedelic sets and Daniel Brodie’s incredible video and projections are mind-blowing. Ryan J. O’Gara’s lighting bedazzles, and Sharen Davis’ costumes are bright, bold and sassy. This high tech opulence makes this half-century musical look like it was born yesterday.

As an avid fan of The Wiz, I can't help but feel that this recent adaptation of the beloved classic misses the mark in several significant ways. A misguided emphasis on humor overshadows the story's heart and soul and the score's richness. I sincerel...

As an avid fan of The Wiz, I can't help but feel that this recent adaptation of the beloved classic misses the mark in several significant ways. A misguided emphasis on humor overshadows the story's heart and soul and the score's richness. I sincerely hope that any upcoming revivals will take greater care in capturing the essence of the narrative and the musical's emotional depth rather than simply trying to elicit laughs at every turn.

The most wonderful thing about this 'Wiz' is the cyclone of vocal energy that lifts it off the ground. Almost every song builds to a climactic power note. Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion harmonize as if they've been singing together for years. T...

The most wonderful thing about this 'Wiz' is the cyclone of vocal energy that lifts it off the ground. Almost every song builds to a climactic power note. Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion harmonize as if they've been singing together for years. The show's trio of witches each get moments to shine. It's in these voices that the show's true magic lies.

The impressive cast belts like mad, almost Handelian in their three-notes for every syllable uttered. This gospel style of singing, Mahalia Jackson on steroids, wears one out after the first few numbers. Everybody wails as if on America’s Got Talen...

The impressive cast belts like mad, almost Handelian in their three-notes for every syllable uttered. This gospel style of singing, Mahalia Jackson on steroids, wears one out after the first few numbers. Everybody wails as if on America’s Got Talent. They are all incredibly good singers, great singers, super singers, really; but eventually they all sound the same, and the style numbs us.

The cast is stacked with triple-threat performers who bring energy, heart, and humor to every scene—especially Dana Cimone as a spunky, vocally stunning Dorothy and Elijah Ahmed Lewis as a standout Scarecrow. Highlights like “Ease on Down the Roa...

The cast is stacked with triple-threat performers who bring energy, heart, and humor to every scene—especially Dana Cimone as a spunky, vocally stunning Dorothy and Elijah Ahmed Lewis as a standout Scarecrow. Highlights like “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” aren’t just nostalgic—they’re delivered with fresh, emotional power. Director Schele Williams and a top-notch creative team have crafted a production that’s not just a revival, but a reinvigoration, reminding us why The Wiz broke barriers in the first place—and why it’s still so necessary and joyous today.

The good news is that this tale as old as (post-industrial) time still works, from the bullet-proof story itself to the original songs from Charlie Smalls and others. And it has a solid cast, from Simone’s Dorothy to the 14-member dance company, to...

The good news is that this tale as old as (post-industrial) time still works, from the bullet-proof story itself to the original songs from Charlie Smalls and others. And it has a solid cast, from Simone’s Dorothy to the 14-member dance company, to deliver those goods with theater-filling charisma.

What I saw in THE WIZ was an incredibly tight, professional, and slick rendering of the L. Frank Baum tale with an all African American cast. The use of dance with an unusually large ensemble very much added to the continuity of the show. Each of the...

What I saw in THE WIZ was an incredibly tight, professional, and slick rendering of the L. Frank Baum tale with an all African American cast. The use of dance with an unusually large ensemble very much added to the continuity of the show. Each of the singing leads was excellent.

The whole cast is so incredibly talented in their roles. Dana Cimone gives a very winning performance as Dorothy. She’s relatable, heartfelt, and also has quite a set of pipes. Elijah Ahmad Lewis’ Scarecrow has to be the first portrayal I've seen...

The whole cast is so incredibly talented in their roles. Dana Cimone gives a very winning performance as Dorothy. She’s relatable, heartfelt, and also has quite a set of pipes. Elijah Ahmad Lewis’ Scarecrow has to be the first portrayal I've seen in any incarnation of The Wizard of Oz where the character literally feels like he’s in need of a brain, resulting in memorable work. D. Jerome is solid as Tinman, who is, of course, in need of a heart. Cal Mitchell is hilarious as the Cowardly Lion. As The Wizard of Oz himself, Alan Mingo, Jr. is so delightfully over the top. Although Sheherazade literally brings the house down with her singing as Glinda the Good while Kyla Jade gives such a scenery chewing performance as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West.

See it or not? If you’ve only seen the popular, but less-than-satisfying 1978 movie starring Diana Ross, give “The Wiz” another look. Despite some missteps, this live version is superior in its thoughtful storytelling, outstanding performances,...

See it or not? If you’ve only seen the popular, but less-than-satisfying 1978 movie starring Diana Ross, give “The Wiz” another look. Despite some missteps, this live version is superior in its thoughtful storytelling, outstanding performances, comedic tone, and dynamic staging, and is filled with color, heart, and the exuberance of (Beyonce video alum) JaQuel Knight’s choreography. Technical issues, unfortunately, bring the production down, including muddy sound that makes many lyrics and lines unintelligible — particularly for Cimone’s pull-out-all-the-stops solos in her impressive professional debut, and for sly witch Addaperle’s (Amitria Fanae) clever running quips.

The real star of the show, however, is choreographer Knight, whose endlessly imaginative routines include a tornado illustrated by dancers spinning in swirling fabric; a New Orleans style Second Line parade, complete with brightly colored handkerchie...

The real star of the show, however, is choreographer Knight, whose endlessly imaginative routines include a tornado illustrated by dancers spinning in swirling fabric; a New Orleans style Second Line parade, complete with brightly colored handkerchiefs waved with precision; and Evillene’s downtrodden workers who dance with bright red buckets meant to keep the rain from dripping into her lair.

es, I know it’s more hip to like Wicked rather than Wizard of Oz, but I’m old fashioned. Plus nobody has ever called me hip. As someone who has a collection of Wizard of Oz figures in several different styles and other types of collectibles, the ...

es, I know it’s more hip to like Wicked rather than Wizard of Oz, but I’m old fashioned. Plus nobody has ever called me hip. As someone who has a collection of Wizard of Oz figures in several different styles and other types of collectibles, the highest compliment I can give the cast and crew of ‘The Wiz’ is, I’m no longer sad this wasn’t yet another production of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ but have gained a new found appreciation for ‘The Wiz’ and the version it represents. All yellow brick roads lead to the Emerald City, and I’ll gladly ease on down or follow one.

With such dynamic choreography and rich musicality, strong vocals were essential—and the cast delivered. Every performer offered clear, powerful, professional singing. Among the standouts was Kyla Jade, who took on dual roles as Aunt Em and Evillen...

With such dynamic choreography and rich musicality, strong vocals were essential—and the cast delivered. Every performer offered clear, powerful, professional singing. Among the standouts was Kyla Jade, who took on dual roles as Aunt Em and Evillene. As Aunt Em, her voice was gentle and warm. As Evillene, she unleashed grit and gospel-soaked resonance—especially during her show-stopping “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.”

The performances are nothing short of stellar. Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut as Dorothy, is a revelation. She brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the role, making Dorothy both vulnerable and strong. Her voice is pure and powerful, and ...

The performances are nothing short of stellar. Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut as Dorothy, is a revelation. She brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the role, making Dorothy both vulnerable and strong. Her voice is pure and powerful, and she connects with the audience on a deep emotional level as she navigates her journey through Oz. Alan Mingo Jr., who reprises his role as The Wiz, delivers a charismatic performance that perfectly balances humor with the deeper, more serious moments of the character. His vocal ability is a standout, and his portrayal adds a rich layer of depth to the role.

This may be one of the hardest working ensembles currently on tour. Beyond the staggering number of costume and character changes, these performers are dancers of the highest caliber. Expertly choreographed by JaQuel Knight, the movement is a highlig...

This may be one of the hardest working ensembles currently on tour. Beyond the staggering number of costume and character changes, these performers are dancers of the highest caliber. Expertly choreographed by JaQuel Knight, the movement is a highlight of the evening. Whether they are spinning in cyclonic unison or posing and twerking at the “No Sleep Club” under the Wiz’s watchful eye, the choreography serves as a brilliant retrospective of Black style and movement technique.

THE WIZ is best known for its iconic and quirky characters. The portrayals in this revival do not disappoint. Dana Cimone is astonishingly good as Dorothy. Her vocal delivery is crystalline and powerful. I could not believe how much dancing Cimone en...

THE WIZ is best known for its iconic and quirky characters. The portrayals in this revival do not disappoint. Dana Cimone is astonishingly good as Dorothy. Her vocal delivery is crystalline and powerful. I could not believe how much dancing Cimone engaged in WHILE singing. It looked like a complete workout, and this show features some of the most complex and challenging choreography I have ever seen. Kudos to JaQuel Knight for her outstanding choreography work as well.

But truth be told, the play's true joy comes from hearing the talented vocal cast on stage perform those great songs — ""Ease On Down the Road," "Soon As I Get Home," "What Would I Do If I could Feel," "Believe In Yourself," "End of the Yellow Bric...

But truth be told, the play's true joy comes from hearing the talented vocal cast on stage perform those great songs — ""Ease On Down the Road," "Soon As I Get Home," "What Would I Do If I could Feel," "Believe In Yourself," "End of the Yellow Brick Road." At times, we were sure someone in the audience nearly filling Centennial Hall on Tuesday was going to start singing along.

I cannot stress enough how impressive this show is music-wise. The remarkable vocal work of this ensemble cast is just uniformly, jaw-droppingly outstanding, and by the time we get hit with Jade's showstopping "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News," you...

I cannot stress enough how impressive this show is music-wise. The remarkable vocal work of this ensemble cast is just uniformly, jaw-droppingly outstanding, and by the time we get hit with Jade's showstopping "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News," you feel like you definitely got your money's worth. And, of course, Webber's wholesome finalé of "Home" is so beautifully done that it feels like a warm, comforting hug after a conveyor belt of non-stop sass.

This new production benefits from the sharp wit of Amber Ruffin, who updates William F. Brown’s original book with a contemporary sensibility that feels timely without sacrificing warmth or heart. The result is respectful, lively, and emotionally g...

This new production benefits from the sharp wit of Amber Ruffin, who updates William F. Brown’s original book with a contemporary sensibility that feels timely without sacrificing warmth or heart. The result is respectful, lively, and emotionally grounded.

The cast is outstanding. Dana Cimone as Dorothy, Kyla Jade as both Aunt Em and Evillene the Wicked Witch of the West, and Sheherazade as Glinda all possess voices powerful enough to carry across the river. D. Jerome delivers a particularly wonderful ...

The cast is outstanding. Dana Cimone as Dorothy, Kyla Jade as both Aunt Em and Evillene the Wicked Witch of the West, and Sheherazade as Glinda all possess voices powerful enough to carry across the river. D. Jerome delivers a particularly wonderful performance as Tinman, joined by Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Scarecrow and Cal Mitchell as Lion. The large ensemble is fantastic throughout, brilliantly executing JaQuel Knight’s choreography – the way the dancers evoke the tornado is particularly striking.

More than 125 years after the original novel was written, Oz still has a grip on the zeitgeist of today. Maybe it’s because we can all relate to Dorothy — looking for the right person to ask for our dreams, not realizing we have to achieve them o...

More than 125 years after the original novel was written, Oz still has a grip on the zeitgeist of today. Maybe it’s because we can all relate to Dorothy — looking for the right person to ask for our dreams, not realizing we have to achieve them ourselves. Maybe something about the fantastical nature of Oz just invites reimagining, over and over. Whatever the reason, “The Wiz” is a vision of Oz that’s well worth your time.

Leading our ragtag group of protagonists as Dorothy, actress Phoenix LaFreniere is a force to be reckoned with. A 2025 graduate of Pace University, Phoenix’s vocals are clear and powerful with stunning vibrato. She could hold a masterclass in vocal...

Leading our ragtag group of protagonists as Dorothy, actress Phoenix LaFreniere is a force to be reckoned with. A 2025 graduate of Pace University, Phoenix’s vocals are clear and powerful with stunning vibrato. She could hold a masterclass in vocal placement and emotion through song, heard multiple times in the show by the way she uses a quiet head voice for Dorothy’s sad and shy moments, then going into her belt with a flawless flip of her vocal tone. I

While not every moment fully landed, The Wiz at Clowes Memorial Hall showcased a talented cast and creative team with a clear vision. The choreography and vocals alone make it a worthwhile experience, offering plenty of highlights for fans of the sho...

While not every moment fully landed, The Wiz at Clowes Memorial Hall showcased a talented cast and creative team with a clear vision. The choreography and vocals alone make it a worthwhile experience, offering plenty of highlights for fans of the show and newcomers alike.

Comedian-writer Amber Ruffin added new material and revisions to the book to freshen it up. Choreographer JaQuel Knight provided new choreography. Updated orchestrations and musical arrangements were added. Director Schele Williams retooled the visua...

Comedian-writer Amber Ruffin added new material and revisions to the book to freshen it up. Choreographer JaQuel Knight provided new choreography. Updated orchestrations and musical arrangements were added. Director Schele Williams retooled the visual style and pacing. More emphasis was placed on Black culture with a focus on self-empowerment and inner strength.

It’s the musical numbers that really showcase the strength of this production, especially with the soaring vocals of the lead actors who command the registers with ease. This is truly an ensemble effort and the synergy within the musical numbers ov...

It’s the musical numbers that really showcase the strength of this production, especially with the soaring vocals of the lead actors who command the registers with ease. This is truly an ensemble effort and the synergy within the musical numbers overcame some of the sound/mic issues on opening night that hampered hearing dialogue at times.

To cut right to the point, the cast is fantastic. From the leads through to the hefty ensemble, there’s not a weak link and every single member is not only giving it their all but also looking like they’re having an absolute ball doing so, especi...

To cut right to the point, the cast is fantastic. From the leads through to the hefty ensemble, there’s not a weak link and every single member is not only giving it their all but also looking like they’re having an absolute ball doing so, especially when grooving to JaQuel Knight’s high-energy choreography.

The cast features a talented ensemble of singers, dancers, and actors who bring fresh energy to this classic musical. LaFreniere plays Dorothy with sincerity and an expressive soprano voice. Mingo delivers a charismatic and mysterious title character...

The cast features a talented ensemble of singers, dancers, and actors who bring fresh energy to this classic musical. LaFreniere plays Dorothy with sincerity and an expressive soprano voice. Mingo delivers a charismatic and mysterious title character, and Mitchell performs with spirited physicality and powerful vocals while sporting the most remarkable tail. Lewis and Jerome both deliver strong vocals and an engaging stage presence. Jade doubles as Aunt Em and the wicked Evillene, and Sheherazade appears as Glinda, rounding out the dynamic, principal cast. A lively ensemble supports the production with high‑energy choreography and musicality, contributing to the show’s joyful and immersive atmosphere.

LaFreniere’s Dorothy immediately endears you to her and makes you feel as though you too are easing on down the road. Barely ever off the stage, and with each song more vocally demanding than the next, LaFreniere delivers an impressively formidable...

LaFreniere’s Dorothy immediately endears you to her and makes you feel as though you too are easing on down the road. Barely ever off the stage, and with each song more vocally demanding than the next, LaFreniere delivers an impressively formidable performance with fluid, traipsing vocal runs and a brightness that brings warmth no matter the scene’s focus. While there are many standout moments for LaFreniere, her interpretations of “Wonder, Wonder Why” had to be my favorite for her agility and sensitivity, and “Home,” of course, for her declarative agency.

If “The Wiz” cast has nothing else, they have Vocals. Vocals. Vocals. Of course, all Broadway shows spotlight amazing singers, they’ve been chosen to tour the country for a reason. However, I have never heard singing on stage like I did at “T...

If “The Wiz” cast has nothing else, they have Vocals. Vocals. Vocals. Of course, all Broadway shows spotlight amazing singers, they’ve been chosen to tour the country for a reason. However, I have never heard singing on stage like I did at “The Wiz.” Everything from strong, clean riffs to belts slowly and steadily going up in pitch for longer than any human should genuinely have the lung capacity to produce. I got chills at every song. A funny melody? Goosebumps. An emotional ballad from Dorthy (portrayed by Phoenix Assata LaFreniere)? Goosebumps. Evillene’s villain song about never wanting to hear bad news (delivered by Kyla Jade)? You guessed it: Goosebumps.

Phoenix Assata La Freniere brings warmth and strong vocals to Dorothy, giving the character an approachable sincerity that anchors the evening nicely. Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Scarecrow, D Jerome as Tin Man, and Cal Mitchell as Lion lean heavily into ph...

Phoenix Assata La Freniere brings warmth and strong vocals to Dorothy, giving the character an approachable sincerity that anchors the evening nicely. Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Scarecrow, D Jerome as Tin Man, and Cal Mitchell as Lion lean heavily into physical comedy and stylized movement, becoming wonderfully entertaining companions along the journey. Much of the production’s humor comes from its embrace of the characters’ sass and oversized personalities, which generate some of the night’s most enjoyable moments.

The cast is a collective force of talent whose energy never wanes. They consistently embody the joy and heart of the material. Phoenix Asiata LaFreniere leads as Dorothy with strength and spark. Her portrayal is youthful, hopeful, and heartfelt, whil...

The cast is a collective force of talent whose energy never wanes. They consistently embody the joy and heart of the material. Phoenix Asiata LaFreniere leads as Dorothy with strength and spark. Her portrayal is youthful, hopeful, and heartfelt, while her vocals are both polished and endearing. Her traveling companions frame her beautifully: D. Jerome as the Tin man, Cal Mitchell as the Lion, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as the Scarecrow each shine in their individual moments while blending seamlessly together. My personal favorite was “Be a Lion,” which brought down the house at the end of Act One with its heartfelt sentiments about bravery.