NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 17: (L-R) Phillip Johnson Richardson, Nichelle Lewis, Avery Wilson and Kyle Ramar Freeman pose onstage at the broadway opening night of "The Wiz" at Marquee Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, Broadway’s Marquis Theatre celebrated the official opening of the highly anticipated revival of The Wiz.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphy as Lord High Underling. The production showcases the immense talent of Maya Bowles, Shayla Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Collin Heyward, Judith Franklin, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Cristina Raé, Polanco Jones Jr., Kolby Kindle, Kareem Marsh, Avilon Trust Tate and Keenan D. Washington.
The Wiz, with its score by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown, originally premiered on Broadway in 1975. It reimagined L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel through the lens of an all-black “super soul musical.” The show later made its way to the silver screen in 1978 with a star-studded film adaptation that featured Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor and Michael Jackson.
This revival of The Wiz incorporates additional material by Amber Ruffin, a nominee for the 2023 Tony Award. Ruffin, known for her comedic brilliance, brings her unique perspective to the show, her second foray into the world of theater after she collaborates on the Tony-nominated book for Broadway’s Some Like It Hot with Matthew López.
In addition to the beloved songs from the original production, such as “The Emerald City” and “Everybody Rejoice,” this revival includes select songs that were cut from the original but featured in the 1978 film adaptation, like “You Can’t Win.” It also incorporates “Wonder, Wonder Why,” added in the 1984 revival, and a fresh adaptation of “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday” titled “We’re Gonna Make It.”
The Wiz revival promises to captivate audiences with its stellar cast, fresh updates, and contemporary vision. As the show unfolds on the Broadway stage, it continues to celebrate the legacy of a beloved musical that has touched the hearts of generations.
Get tickets now for The Wiz on Broadway’s Marquis Theatre.
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