The Wiz 1975 - Articles Page 10

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

Get The Wiz Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

The Wiz - 1975 - Broadway Articles Page 10

BWW LIVE Blog: NBC Eases on Down the Road with THE WIZ LIVE!, 12/3 at 8PM! Follow Along LIVE!
by Matt Smith - Dec 3, 2015


Can YOU feel a brand new day? We're gearing up to ease on down the road with powerhouse newcomer Shanice Williams and the rest of the gang from Oz, when THE WIZ LIVE! premieres Thursday, December 3, at 8pm on NBC.  Of course, as was the case in 2013's THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE! and last year's PETER PAN LIVE!, the cast is certainly not short on big-name talent — and most come with Broadway or theatrical credits, no less. As if you didn't already know, be sure to look out for Queen Latifah (of 2002's CHICAGO and 2007's HAIRSPRAY), Elijah Kelley (also of 2007's HAIRSPRAY), Uzo Aduba (of CORAM BOY and 2011's GODSPELL), and David Alan Grier (2012's PORGY AND BESS). 

Marin Mazzie, Well-Strung, Lena Hall & More Set for Feinstein's/54 Below in Coming Weeks
by Tyler Peterson - Dec 1, 2015


This December and January, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at Feinstein's/54 Below and to purchase tickets, visitwww.54Below.com/Feinsteins. 

STAGE TUBE: The Characters of THE WIZ LIVE! Join the Judging Panel of THE VOICE!
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 30, 2015


In anticipation of NBC's upcoming holiday production of THE WIZ LIVE!, some of the cast stopped by the set of another NBC show- THE VOICE. Watch below as Dorothy (Shanice Williams) shows her friends what she's got!

THE WIZ LIVE Announces Partnership with Reddi-Wip
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 30, 2015


NBCUniversal today announced that Reddi-wip will partner with NBC's live television production of the hit Broadway musical "The Wiz Live," set for December 3rd (8:00PM EST). The partnership is an extension of Reddi-wip's "Share the Joy" program aiming to help people experience more joy every day, and, in this case, the joy of music. The campaign also will feature contextually relevant branded content that reflects that mission, and is also an example of how NBC uses its unique storytelling capabilities to impact communities through the power of entertainment.

VIDEO: Go Behind-the-Scenes with THE WIZ LIVE! Cast; Plus Sneak Peek!
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 30, 2015


This morning's TODAY chatted with the THE WIZ LIVE! stars Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, Ne-Yo and Shanice Williams as they prepare for the big night.

VIDEO: Common Shares Details on New Song for THE WIZ LIVE! on 'Wendy Williams'
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 30, 2015


Shanice Williams, Ne-Yo, David Alan Grier and Elijah Kelley stopped by WENDY WILLIAMS to dish about their special event airing live this Thursday on NBC.

VIDEO: Queen Latifah Talks NBC's THE WIZ LIVE! on 'Tonight'
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 27, 2015


On last night's TONIGHT SHOW, guest Queen Latifah talked about starring in and customizing her look for NBC's live production of THE WIZ LIVE!

VIDEO: Watch All-New Extended Trailer for NBC's THE WIZ LIVE!
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 27, 2015


NBC has shard an all-new extended trailer for the highly anticipated live broadcast of THE WIZ LIVE!, airing Thursday, December 3rd. Check it out below!

HOT VIDEO: Watch The Making of THE WIZ LIVE!
by Robert Diamond - Nov 26, 2015


Hot Video! Miss the Wednesday night airing of NBC's The Making of THE WIZ LIVE!? We've got you covered with the full video that goes behind the scenes, showing off all of the excitement and hard work going into the December 3rd broadcast that we're all counting down to. 

Go 'Home' for Thanksgiving with Shanice Williams' THE WIZ LIVE! Single on Spotify!
by BWW News Desk - Nov 25, 2015


Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event THE WIZ LIVE! next month, but you won't have to wait until then to hear Shanice Williams sing the iconic solo 'Home'. Stream it on Spotify now!

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 25th, 2015
by Paul W. Thompson - Nov 25, 2015


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Plaid Tidings,' the Q Brothers and 'Die Hard' bring us holiday shows, and shows come and go at Lyric Opera and the Royal George. 'The Wiz' comes to TV and to a Bailiwick benefit, and 'The Lion King' and 'Pinocchio' promise family-friendly fare. And buy 'Season Of Carols 3!'

DVR Alert: NBC Presents THE MAKING OF THE WIZ LIVE Tonight
by TV News Desk - Nov 25, 2015


NBC will present THE MAKING OF THE WIZ LIVE tonight, November 25 on NBC (8-9 p.m. ET).

What Does Home Mean to You? Share With New Meme from THE WIZ LIVE!
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 24, 2015


NBC's highly anticipated production of 'The Wiz LIVE!' will broadcast December 3, but you don't have to wait that long to feed your excitement.  NBC is celebrating family togetherness surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday by launching a Home-inspired meme. To take part, just follow the instructions below!

VIDEO: Andre De Shields Talks 'Game-Changing' Original Broadway Production of THE WIZ
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 24, 2015


Broadway star and Emmy Award winner Andre De Shields joined NBC's News Janice Huff to talk about his role in the 1975 production of THE WIZ and his current role on the new Broadway musical GOTTA DANCE

THE WIZ LIVE! Original Soundtrack Now Available for Pre-Order; Tracklisting Revealed!
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 24, 2015


Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event 'The Wiz LIVE!' Available now for preorder at Amazo

BWW Interview: Broadway Animal Trainer Bill Berloni Is Getting Toto in Top Shape for THE WIZ LIVE!
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 2, 2015


BroadwayWorld was on set earlier this month as the company was readying for the big night and we checked in with animal trainer BIll Berloni, who is working with Toto (played by Scooter), to find out how rehearsals have been going so far. Check out the full interview below!

Shanice Williams Checks In Before THE WIZ LIVE!: 'I'm Going to Do a Lot of Prayin'
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 3, 2015


The big day has arrived! THE WIZ LIVE! airs tonight, December 3, at 8PM/7c. The production will star newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion.

BWW Interview: Harvey Fierstein on Adapting THE WIZ for TV: 'I Got to Answer All the Questions That I Had'
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 1, 2015


BroadwayWorld was on set earlier this month as the company was readying for the big night and we checked in with Harvey Fierstein to find out what kind of changes he made to the book to make it more modern. Check out the full interview below!

So You Wanted to Meet the Cast? Stephanie Mills Weighs in on Shanice Williams: 'She's Going to Be a Superstar'
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 2, 2015


We are another day closer to NBC's highly-anticipated musical special, THE WIZ LIVE!, which airs Thursday, December 3, at 8PM/7c. The production will star newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion.

Ne-Yo & Elijah Kelley Dish on the New Song in Tonight's THE WIZ LIVE!: 'It's Bigger Than Just a Song'
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 3, 2015


The big day is her! THE WIZ LIVE! airs tonight, December 3, at 8PM/7c. The production will star newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion.

Andre De Shields to Talk THE WIZ, New Musical GOTTA DANCE on News 4 NY Live Tonight
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 23, 2015


Andre De Shields talks THE WIZ and GOTTA DANCE live tonight (Monday,  November 23) with NBC-TV's Janice Huff on News 4 New York at 7:00 PM.  De Shields, who created the title role in the original 1975 Broadway production of the landmark musical (which won 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical), will talk about the show's 40th anniversary, the upcoming The Wiz Live! which airs on NBC December 3 at 8 PM ET and his current show GOTTA DANCE.

STAGE TUBE: Check out Mary J. Blige in New THE WIZ LIVE Promo!
by Sally Henry Fuller - Nov 21, 2015


Click below for all-new footage of NBC's THE WIZ LIVE!, featuring Mary J. Blige as the Wicked Witch! The upcoming holiday production will air Thursday, Dec. 3.

STAGE TUBE: All-New Footage of Shanice Williams and Queen Latifah Belting It Out in Promo for NBC'S THE WIZ LIVE!
by Stage Tube - Nov 20, 2015


They're home (and we can't wait for them to invite us over)! Click below for all-new footage of Queen Latifah and Shanice Williams belting it out onstage in NBC's THE WIZ LIVE! The upcoming holiday production will air Thursday, Dec. 3.

Photo Flash: Evillene Has Arrived! First Look at Mary J. Blige in Costume for NBC's THE WIZ LIVE!
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 20, 2015


NBC has just shared a first look at THE WIZ LIVE! star Mary J. Blige in action and we've got the  photos below! Plus, CLICK HERE to check out photos of Stephanie Mills, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba and more in full costume for the highly anticipated December 3rd live telecast. 

STAGE TUBE: Mary J. Blige Chats About THE WIZ LIVE with Wendy Williams
by Reilly Hickey - Nov 20, 2015


Mary J. Blige appeared on The Wendy Williams Show to talk about her upcoming role in the live broadcast of THE WIZ. 

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

Videos