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. 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, choreographed by Jaquel Knight, additional material by Amber Ruffin, and music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert.
Surprisingly, it’s Wayne Brady as The Wiz who underwhelms; his entrance is surprisingly lowkey, and though his voice is serviceably charming, it’s leagues behind his co-stars. His shoddy throne throws a glaring light on the production’s prudence of grandeur. The real riches are in the cast’s connection to each other, and to the material. Its young leads, as well as their more experienced counterparts, are having the time of their lives and making the most of their roles, singing with an infectious joy typically missing from oft-retread properties. The road to success might have a few bricks missing, but it’s a golden one nonetheless.
This rendition of “The Wiz,” which arrives on Broadway following short engagements in multiple cities and is directed by Schele Williams (“The Notebook”), has the look and feel of a second-rate, low-budget touring production, with tacky, Halloween-quality costumes, limited scenic design (relying heavily on projections), and surprisingly uninspired and generic dance choreography. More thought seems to have gone into the alcoholic drinks available at intermission, including a green-colored frozen margarita.
General Rush
Price: $45
Where: Marquis Theatre box office (210 W 46th St)
When: Beginning at 10 AM ET on the day of the performance.
Limit: Two per customer.
Information: Subject to daily availability. Seat locations for this program vary and may be available in all sections of the theatre. Locations are determined each by the show’s management and assigned at the discretion of the Box Office at time of purchase.
Digital Lottery:
Price: $45
Where: https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/the-wiz-ny/.
When: Winners are drawn the same day at 3 PM ET and will have one hour to pay for their tickets online.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Lottery seats may be partial view.
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 |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Nichelle Lewis |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | The Wiz |
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