Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, and Ambassador Theatre Group announced today that an all-new production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz, adapted from The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, is easing on down the road toward a national tour before returning to Broadway for a limited engagement in the 2023/24 season.

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), this entirely reimagined revival is directed by Schele Williams (in her Broadway directorial debut), choreographed by Jaquel Knight (in his Broadway debut), additional material by Amber Ruffin, and music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert.

The Wiz will launch its national tour in the Fall of 2023 in Baltimore, MD, home of the 1974 world premiere of the musical.  Following its run at the Hippodrome Theatre, the tour will slide into Emerald cities across the country before it begins its limited engagement on Broadway in the Spring 2024.

Director Williams commented, “I wouldn’t be on Broadway if it wasn’t for The Wiz…the music, the costumes, the choreography and Stephanie Mills! Seeing that show changed my life. It is, in every way, a celebration of Black excellence. I am honored to helm this production and I can’t think of a better time to tell this story.”

In a statement, Mr. Knight said, “It is a dream come true to be a part of what I consider the epitome of black excellence. There’s not one piece of art that has had influence on popular culture like The Wiz. I’m humbled to not only have the opportunity to leave my own mark on a true work of art, but to continue the storytelling and legacy building on the beauty of blackness through dance, movement, & attitude. I’m honored to stand on the backs of those greats who’ve opened this door, such as the Louis Johnson and George Faison; and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to help show kids who look like me that the Theater is a world where they can see themselves.” 

“I am thrilled my father’s music, and The Wiz is returning to Broadway,” said Michael Smalls, son of The Wiz composer Charlie Smalls.  “I am so happy to know a new generation will be discovering these wonderful songs and learn of my father’s extraordinary talent.” 

Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.

The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor, and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson.

Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting. The design team will be announced at a later date.

The post The Wiz To Return To Broadway; Jaquel Knight, Amber Ruffin, & More Attached appeared first on Broadway Black.

The University of Miami graduate got a little nostalgic with his social media followers as he took a literal walk down memory lane through the campus.  Boasting his Miami green “U” tank top and sandals (clearly enjoying the antithesis of New York winter weather), Henry stood proudly in front of the Jerry Herman Ring Theater, the student performance space that cultivated his budding creativity as well as that of several other notable students.

Never forget where you came from. Before I was ready for Broadway, I honed my performing chops here at the University of Miami’s #JerryHermanRingTheater. This is where the fire was fanned. Just visited today and felt all the feelings again! #AllAboutTheU #humblebeginnings

Inside the theater, it was almost as if Henry had stepped back in time and could see and feel all of the experiences he’d had in the space.  He vividly narrated the memory of his first acting class:

This is the black box theater at the University of Miami. Bruce Miller was the first person to give me an acting class in college.  Freshman year we all sat in a circle here and we said something about where we’re from and what we wanna accomplish in the next four years and there was just so much love here, but it just brings back the craziest memories.  Wow.

After graduating from the Coral Gables campus in 2006, Henry instantly landed a role in Godspell at Papermill Playhouse.  By 2007, the crooner was on Broadway with In the Heights.  Henry played “Tin Man” in The Wiz at City Center and a very sexy “Favorite Son” in American Idiot before earning a 2011 Tony Award nomination for his powerful depiction of Haywood Patterson in Scottsboro Boys.

VIDEO: Where did I learn how to act? University of Miami theater department! #DaU #HumbleBeginnings https://t.co/GEPn2c5O3N

— Joshua Henry (@joshuahenry20) January 5, 2016

I’m counting the days until we get to see many of our favorite Broadway Black stars in Shuffle Along, namely, my boo, Mr. Henry.  I’m also hoping that somewhere in Hamilton’s eternal run (because it’s obviously not going anywhere anytime soon) I will get to see a Joshua Henry portrayal of Aaron Burr. #FangirlFantasy.  Lin Manuel, are you listening??

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I have commentary.

First, the news.

Fox has tapped Tyler Perry to host and narrate the musical, The Passion. According to a recent press release on the network’s site, the two-hour musical will be filmed live in New Orleans March 20, which is Palm Sunday. The musical is supposed to follow the last two hours of Jesus Christ’s life. Here is a quote from the Fox website announcing Perry’s leading role.

The Passion is both wonderfully entertaining and genuinely inspirational,” said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “We are so thrilled to have the multi-talented Tyler Perry join us for this epic music production. He is the perfect host to lead the cast – and viewers – through the streets of New Orleans in this contemporary re-telling of a timeless story.

Now the commentary.

It is no secret that The Wiz, which we covered extensively, was a hit for NBC, which has no problem bringing out brown and black faces for ratings. I shoal wish that would translate into programming.

Fox, not to be outdone, is throwing out three live musical presentations, two of which have Black actors as the lead characters. Laverne Cox is set to play Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Perry is set to host “The Passion,” so I assume he is not playing Jesus. Hollywood tends to give biblical character roles to guys from Australia and the U.K.

And I suppose The Passion makes a lot of sense. Perry is no stranger to theater, having established his core following with religiously-tinged plays that turned into movies, that turned into TV shows, that turned into a succession of Perry rip-off artists, that turned into me reading more books.

This is definitely a no-brainer for Fox. We happen to be riding a very dangerous anti-Muslim wave right now fanned by fear, and buoyed by the GOP debates. So airing a musical where we can see a gigantic cross being dragged down one of our oldest cities in America is not just entertainment. It is a message.

So I get it. Ratings. Christian Agenda. A combination punch for the network. But what about those of us who love theater?

Despite the racist comments about a musical that was created out of a lack of diversity, people really seemed to enjoy The Wiz Live. There was a conversation sparked amongst different generations. The production had the best of Hollywood and the theater world combining with newcomers to recreate a classic that engaged us. That is what good theater does.

Will “The Passion” be able to do the same? I don’t know. To be fair, the movie “The Passion of Christ” kicked secular A$$, raking in over $600 million worldwide. It is not as though the subject and character of Jesus doesn’t spark interest, mystery and debate.

I am just saying it feels a little calculating. It doesn’t feel like an attempt to bring people to theater. Nor is it a chance to learn and be amazed by live performances. It feels like a political and financial agenda. But the thing ain’t even aired yet. Maybe I will be proven wrong. Maybe I just need to pray on it.

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Page is no stranger to the stage, either on Broadway or in St. Louis. He made his Broadway debut starring in an all Black 1976 revival of Guys and Dolls.  A year later he took on the role of the Cowardly Lion in the hit Broadway production of The Wiz. He was an original cast member in Ain’t Misbehavin’ for which he won his Drama Desk Award. Page also originated the role of Old Deuteronomy in the 1982 Broadway production of Cats. Stretching his talents across Broadway, Off-Broadway, The West End, and regionally, Page has worked up a diverse career! Most recently he wrote and directed Café Chanson for Upstream Theatre which garnered recognition from the St. Louis Critics Awards, including nominations for both Best New Play and Best Director.  As if his career on stage wasn’t enough, Page also has his fair share of television and film credits. He has been seen in some of my childhood favorites such as “Touched By An Angel” and “Family Matters,” and voiced “Oogie Boogie” in the cult classic, “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Let us not forget to mention Page’s presence in the 2006 film, “Dreamgirls!” 

With a career spanning over 40 years, it’s a no brainer to see what this man has up his sleeves. He’s attributing a lot of what makes this show work to the wonderful cast that’s on board. He says:

 A play is, after all is said and done, in the hands of the cast, and what a wonderful cast I have! I can’t wait to see them all shine.

Sublime Intimacy is produced by Max & Louie Productions and stars Alfredo Sullivan (Dance Theatre of Harlem) as The Dancer. The rest of the cast includes: Bethany Barr, John Flack, J. Samuel David, Luke Streingruby, and Reginald Pierre. 

The post Ken Page Presents World Premiere of His Play, Sublime Intimacy appeared first on Broadway Black.

And, speaking of winning…

When it was announced that the song “You Can’t Win” would be featured in the production, I’d like to think that music icon Michael Jackson did the Moonwalk. Shanice Williams, the 2015 “Dorothy,” made a y’all-ain’t-ready post when referring to vocals by Elijah Kelley – the 2015 “Scarecrow” – during a rehearsal of the song.

Sitting outside the room while @elijah_kelley is singing you can't win! ! Yall not ready!!! #TheWiz

— Shanice Shantay (@LuvbeingShanice) October 8, 2015

For the 1978 film of the musical based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Jackson performed the soulful Charles Smalls anthem that was originally written for the Broadway show. By opening night, however, the number – which was performed by the Winkies – was cut. The solo for the Scarecrow in the stage version was “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday” – a commanding narrative with its “This time I’m going to make it” and “Gonna lift my head up/Can you feel my spirit” lyrics – but it was dropped for the film version. “You Can’t Win” was then resurrected, and the depressing albeit upbeat ditty became the second single (produced by Quincy Jones) to be released from The Wiz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

In a New York Times article, The Wiz playwright William F. Brown – who called the film version starring Diana Ross awful – discussed the song as being a “Black message song.” Brown, who is White, said: “But it’s all changed. Black people can win. And this is not a Black message show. It’s everybody’s show.” I think it’s pretty safe to say, that some Black people weren’t winning in the 70s. Should the thought be that Black people are winning in 2015, it might be necessary for some re-thinking. In light of the disturbing climate of race relations today, the song can take on a greater meaning when it is broadcast to millions of viewers.

It’s not necessary to have a “can’t-nobody-sing-it-like-MJ” focus in regard to the song. Kelley, and no one else for that matter, will sing it like the infamous King of Pop. Yet, belting out the pain and the contempt is what will do the song justice. Remember, the film’s scene opens with the Scarecrow being mocked for his inspirational quotes and imploring his freedom. Before singing The Crow Anthem, he is forced to recite The Crow Commandments: “Thou shall honor all crows”; “Thou shall stop reading all bits of paper and literature”; and “Thou shall never, never get down offa dis here pole.”

In Jackson’s 1988 autobiography, Moonwalk, he said: “The song was about humiliation and helplessness – something that so many people have felt at one time or another – and the feeling that there are people out there who don’t actively hold you back as much as they work quietly on your insecurities so that you hold yourself back.”

It also is interesting to note what Dr. Elwood Watson said about the The Wiz and the symbolism of the scene in his book Pimps, Wimps, Studs, Thugs and Gentlemen: Essays on Media Images of Masculinity. He noted that the work suggests “African Americans carry the scars and the idea of racism in their bodies.”

“Daily, Scarecrow begs The Crows to liberate him so that he can pursue his quest for a brain, intellect development… The scene invokes African American experiences in the south and the ritual lynching of African American men. The Crows, however, have no intention of doing bodily harm to the Scarecrow – theirs is a more insidious violence… The Crow Commandments invokes the laws that forbid educating slaves… The Crows reinforce Scarecrow’s subjection at their hands through a song… that aims to disabuse Scarecrow of any aspirations toward freedom.

“The Crows are even more disadvantaged than Scarecrow because, unlike him, they are hopeless. The Crow’s chorus… reflects their disillusionment with their inability to realize the promise of upward mobility. The Crows are suspicious, and perhaps justifiably so, of optimistic political discourse that promise substantive change… The Crows, then, become symbolic of a potentially negative family dynamic, one that subjugates its members and does not encourage an exploration of alternative constructions of the self.”

Much can be ascertained when digging a little deeper. Of course, now you may have some rage and tears welling up. However, you can look at it this way: if you’ve ever listened to a song by 70s soul singer Donny Hathaway, you can’t help but to feel invigorated from the despair his lyrics tackle. “You Can’t Win” – with refrains such as “Better cool it ‘cause it ain’t about losing,” “Ain’t the way it’s supposed to be” and “Learn your lesson/Refuel your mind” – can prompt a negotiation for winning.

No, you don’t need tickets for NBC’s The Wiz (and please don’t pose that question to Broadway Black founder Drew Shade). You just need a TV, preferably with surround sound, to journey to Emerald City (with a makeover provided by Tony winner and Broadway icon Harvey Fierstein, who will contribute new material to the original book by Brown). If you need to be reminded of the musical’s impact and what’s to come, chile, revisit Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Concert. Its tribute to The Wiz – featuring Monica, Deborah Cox, Al Jarreau and Jill Scott as the Scarecrow – is just one more brick to the building of excitement.

What do you think about the song?

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So you want to meet the Wizard? 

Well, André De Shields’ sass, style, and excellence in theatre will be honored at the 27th Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts on November 9, 2015 at DePaul University.

Known as a man who honored his parents’ deferred dreams of being entertainers by forging his own path to Broadway, André De Shields did more than just become an entertainer— he became a monument of creativity, spreading his talents to acting, directing, choreography and education. 

De Shields has been in the business for over forty-six years. He began his professional career in the 1969 Chicago production of Hair. He went on to join the Civic Opera House’s company of The Me Nobody Knows at the Civic Opera House. Finally, he became a member of The Organic Theatre Company’s Warp! as Xander the Unconquerable, Ruler of the Sixth Dimension.

Most notably, De Shields is known for originating the titular role of The Wiz on Broadway and for his work in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Play On! and The Full Monty. 

He is a two-time Tony Award nominee, Emmy Award winner, and a recipient of the Village Voice OBIE Award. Mr. De Shields is currently rehearsing GOTTA DANCE, the new Broadway-bound musical about professional basketball’s first ever 60-and-older dance team.

The 27th Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts honors  artists and visionaries who have paved the way and left a legacy in the arts. All proceeds from the event directly benefit The Theatre School Scholarship Fund, supporting students from all over the nation to train at the school.

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Dorothy, The Wiz

Are you looking for a classic costume that’s easily identified and even easier to put together? Look no further than “Dorothy”! All you need is a light blue gingham dress with a silk ribbon at the waist, or a white blouse and light blue skirt, white tights or lacy socks and of course you MUST rock the sparkly shoes. To finish the look, style your hair into two ponytails and you are ready to travel the yellow brick road!

Rafiki, The Lion King

Are you the creative type with time on your hands? Well consider “Rafiki” from The Lion King. This character is full of color and the costume opens up a world of possibilities for the open minded costumer. Face paint in bright colors and an assembly of colorfully beaded necklaces and bracelets, rattan rope, burlap and fur embellishments should get you well on your way to bringing this dynamic character to life.

Hedwig, Hedwig and The Angry Inch

If fabulous is your destination and you’ve got the confidence of a rockstar, then what better inspiration than rocker “Hedwig”? Platform shoes, BIG blonde hair, distressed denim with your own graffiti are necessary to pull of this costume. The essential ingredient is a ton of super glittery and flamboyant makeup and voila! You are ready to rock any Halloween party.

Marvin Gaye, Motown The Musical

Let everyone know exactly “What’s Going On” when you arrive at the Halloween party. Channeling the soulfulness of “Marvin Gaye” is a breeze with just a few simple items. A red toboggan or a simple crocheted kufi,  a plainly colored tee shirt layered with a denim shirt and denim jeans should do the trick. Top it off with a beard and you will be ready to croon or maybe lip sync the night away.

Dreamgirls

There’s only one thing that more fun than dressing up for Halloween and that’s pulling off an ensemble set of costumes. A perfect play for the ensemble outfit for you and few of your diva friends, the fellas or a mixed group of Halloween revelers. Ladies, whip out those once used bridesmaid dresses from the back of your closets and fellas hit your local thrift store for wide collars, swinging bell bottoms or an extra shiny and tight suit. Ladies, tease your hair into a sleek updo or a big bouffant and gentlemen pick out your hair or make a quick stop at the beauty supply for a short conked out wig and your ensemble is ready to go.

Motormouth Maybelle, Hairspray

Are you looking to make an impact as soon as you step on the scene? If so, “Motormouth Maybelle” is the character for you. The easiest way to pull off this costume is to start with a gold or satin dress. Purchase a couple of red feather boa’s and attach them to the hem and sleeves. Finish off this sassy look with a blonde wig with curls as tall and plentiful as you can make them and you are ready to liven up any party.

We hope you enjoy these costumes inspired by our Black Broadway stars. Tweet us a picture of what you decided to wear @broadwayblack!

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Black theatre. A space of inspired creativity, performance art and social commentary on the lives of everyday people. As the curtains open and our stories unfold, we are transported to a place where our dreams and realities intermingle with song, dance and powerful dialogue. When the curtains close and the theatre goes dark, we are left with emotions, memories, images and often quotes that reflect the highs and lows of African American existence.

Let’s take a moment and revisit, in no particular order, ten inspirational quotes from some of our favorite pieces.

1. On loving one another:

“There is always something left to love. And if you ain’t learned that, you ain’t learned nothing.” – Loraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun

2. Beginning a journey into the unknown:

“Count your blessings, cut your losses and follow the yellow brick road.” –The Wiz

3. Because sometimes your dreams are right there in front of you:

“Ev’ry man has his own special dream. And your dream’s just about to come true. Life’s not as bad as it may seem, if you open your eyes to what’s in front of you!” –Dreamgirls

4. On choices:

“When the sins of our fathers visit us, we do not have to play host. We can banish them with forgiveness as God, in His Largeness and Laws.” ― August Wilson, Fences

5. On our own divinity:

“I am an expression of the divine, just like a peach is, just like a fish is. I have a right to be this way…I can’t apologize for that, nor can I change it, nor do I want to… We will never have to be other than who we are in order to be successful…We realize that we are as ourselves unlimited and our experiences valid. It is for the rest of the world to recognize this, if they choose.” – Alice Walker, The Color Purple

6. On relaxing and enjoying the moment:

“Summertime, and the living is easy.” –Porgy and Bess

7. On learning to love yourself:

“I found god in myself and I loved her. I loved her fiercely” –Ntozake Shange, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf

8. On personal empowerment and survival:

“I’m poor, black; I may even be ugly. But dear God! I’m here! I’m here! –Alice Walker, The Color Purple

9. On getting yourself together to fulfill your potential:

“Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than you have become; take your place in the circle of life.” –The Lion King

10. On being okay with starting over:

“I ain’t never found no place for me to fit. Seem like all I do is start over. It ain’t nothing to find no starting place in the world. You just start from where you find yourself.” ― August Wilson, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

 

Now, tell us what are some of your favorite inspirational quotes from African American theatre? Drop your favorites in the comments!

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Riley & Aduba will join newbie Shanice Willams, who will play Dorothy, Tony nominee David Alan Grier who will take on the role of “The Cowardly Lion”, as well as join the Academy Award nomineeQueen Latifah & Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige in the cast of The Wiz Live. Latifah will play “The Wiz” & Blige will portray the role of “Evillene”, the horrible wicked witch known for the upbeat “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” In addition to Stephanie Mills as “Aunt Em”, who was also previously announced.

The original 1975 production of The Wiz featured music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and a book by William F. Brown and is a re-imagining of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The Broadway production won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. In 1978, Motown Productions and Universal Pictures produced a film adaptation starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor as “The Wiz”.

This upcoming retelling of “The Wiz” will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (Raisin in the Sun) and will feature stunning acrobatics by Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, choreography by Fatima Robinson, and updated material by Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, La Cage aux Folles, Newsies).

We know from her time on Fox’s “Glee!” that Amber Riley has serious acting and singing skills. We can’t wait to hear her belt out “He’s The Wiz!,” Addaperle’s signature tune. Riley will also rock out on the NBC production stage. In 2013, she became the first Black woman to win Dancing With the Stars.

Uzo Aduba is mostly known from her work on Orange Is The New Black as “Crazy Eyes” but is no stranger to the theatre. Aduba is an amazing vocalist and would be right at home on a Broadway-style sound stage. Before being cast on OITNB, she was on Broadway, and starred in the revival of Godspell. She’s also classically trained if you didn’t know.

We think Amber Riley is a great, youthful choice to play Addaperle. And Uzo Aduba is the best choice for Glinda The Good. Talk back to us in the comments and let us know what you think!

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