The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. THE WIZ returns "home" to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. Baltimore Sun raves "Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets" and Chicago Tribune proclaims THE WIZ is "An eye-popping and high-intensity revival! This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway--from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy's journey to find her place in a contemporary world. With direction by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney's Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé's "Single Ladies, "Black Is King) and additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. Everybody rejoice!
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 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.
| 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 |
| 2025 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
Videos