The Wiz revival Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss, and Todd Tucker have unveiled an exciting glimpse into the highly-anticipated revival of The Wiz with a behind-the-scenes rehearsal video. This sneak peek comes just ahead of the first preview performance scheduled for Friday, March 29, at the Marquis Theatre.
Director Schele Williams delivered an inspirational speech to the company on the first day of rehearsal at the Marquis Theatre, emphasizing the significance of their roles in carrying forward the legacy of “The Wiz.” Williams remarked, “We are part of something so special. We get to carry the torch, and that is a privilege. Every day you go into your dressing rooms and every day they call half hour is a gift. Know that nothing is promised to us, but this moment.”
The Wiz has already made waves across America with a pre-Broadway tour that saw 13 sold-out cities and 167 performances, captivating over 390,000 fans nationwide. This groundbreaking twist on “The Wizard of Oz” brings a contemporary flair to the timeless story, blending soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk in its iconic score and delivering a stirring tale of self-discovery through Dorothy’s journey.
The Broadway cast boasts an extraordinary lineup featuring Nichelle Lewis as ‘Dorothy,’ Wayne Brady as ‘The Wiz,’ Deborah Cox as ‘Glinda,’ Melody A. Betts as ‘Aunt Em’ and ‘Evillene,’ Kyle Ramar Freeman as ‘Lion,’ Phillip Johnson Richardson as ‘Tinman,’ Avery Wilson as ‘Scarecrow,’ and a talented ensemble that includes Lauryn Adams, Maya Bowles, Shayla Alayre Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Judith Franklin, Michael Samarie George, Collin Heyward, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Polanco Jones, Kolby Kindle, Mariah Lyttle, Kareem Marsh, Alan Mingo, Jr., Anthony Murphy, Dustin Praylow, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate, Keenan D. Washington, and Timothy Wilson.
With a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), award-winning choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and Emmy Award®-winning music director and Grammy Award®-winning writer, Adam Blackstone (Dance Music Arranger), and Paul Byssainthe Jr. (Music Director), are conjuring up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before.
The design team features award-winning talents including scenic design by Academy Award-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’s Black is King and Lemonade), costume design by Emmy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated Sharen Davis (Ray, Dreamgirls), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning Ryan J. O’Gara (Thoughts of a Colored Man), sound design by Jon Weston (Parade), video and projection design by Daniel Brodie (Motown the Musical), wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical) and make-up design by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche (The Piano Lesson)
The Wiz revival is set to dazzle audiences with its dynamic fusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop, breathing new life into the classic tale of adventure and self-discovery. Stay tuned for more updates as the production gears up for its much-anticipated premiere at the Marquis Theatre.
