Proclaim it throughout the land: “The Wiz” is back on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre!
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1975, the production went on to win seven Tony Awards, and this beloved musical has returned with Nichelle Lewis making a charming Broadway debut as Dorothy and approaching the role with sweetness, innocence, and an amazing vocal instrument.
Avery Wilson is adorable and funny as Scarecrow; Phillip Johnson Richardson is phenomenal as Tinman (he can sing and dance his a—off); and Kyle Ramar Freeman is absolutely delightful as Lion. Deborah Cox is stunning as Glinda; when she sings “If You Believe,” you will be moved! Wayne Brady as the Wiz is wonderful. He looks like he’s having a great time, and that man can dance.
At the performance I attended, Allyson Kaye Daniel played Aunt Em/Evillene. When she sang “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News,” the theater went wild! The stage was filled with talented ensemble members who performed ballet, jazz, and hip hop moves courtesy of choreographer JaQuel Knight.
Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy and Melody Betts as Aunt Em in “The Feeling We Once Had” Credit: Jeremy Daniel photo 
Avery Wilson as Scarecrow Credit: Jeremy Daniel photo 
Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman Credit: Jeremy Daniel photo 
Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion and Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy Credit: Jeremy Daniel photo 
The Emerald City Credit: Jeremy Daniel photo 
Melody A. Betts as Evillene 
Wayne Brady as the Wiz Credit: Jeremy Daniel photo 
Deborah Cox as Glinda in “Believe in Yourself”
The storyline has been updated a bit for a new generation of viewers. The musical features a book by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls with songs that will make you laugh or will touch your heart. When Dorothy sings “Be a Lion” with Lion, Scarecrow, and Tinman, you will feel chills; in fact, quite a few numbers gave me chills to my bones, in a good way.
The harmonies of these four characters are beautifully executed. I knew there would be some foot-tapping moments with the beloved and familiar repertory of songs, and I was right.
Schele Williams directs this beloved musical to deliver an updated, fun take on this classic. There are eye-popping costumes, creating that ’70s vibe and working the vibrant colors, from costume designer Sharen Davis. The choreography by JaQuel Knight, with additional material from Amber Ruffin, will definitely have you cheering. Hannah Beachler’s scenic design is marvelous to behold.
Every creative aspect of this production is captivating, including lighting design by Ryan J. O’Gara; sound design by Jon Weston; music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert; hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe; stupendous makeup design of Kirk Cambridge Del-Pesche, which marvelously created the characters of Tinman, Scarecrow, and Lion; and video and projection design by Daniel Brodie. The powerhouse production team also includes Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, and more.
Ease yourself on down the road to the Marquis Theatre and don’t miss this marvelous redux.
For more info, visit www.wizmusical.com.