By L. Frank Baum’s story The Wizard of Oz has been very…popular…lately. Since its publication in 1900, the story has inspired countless adaptations, becoming a beloved cornerstone of American culture. One of these iterations includes the most recent musical at the Fabulous Fox Theater, The Wiz. Premiering on Broadway in 1975, The Wiz won seven Tony Awards and was later adapted into a film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
The Wiz follows Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas who awakens in the mystical land of Oz, a place filled with witches, a wizard, and an Emerald City. Along her journey, she befriends a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Lion. Told through the perspective of African-American culture, The Wiz is a vibrant, energetic celebration of everything beloved about The Wizard of Oz.
With its lively music and poignant lyrics by Charlie Smalls, the show is full of humor and great dancing numbers. But more than that, The Wiz offers an emotional journey that, in some ways, surpasses the original story. The quests for home, knowledge, heart, and courage carry greater weight through its soulful songs. Even the characters’ inner conflict over whether they can bring themselves to defeat the Wicked Witch becomes a pivotal emotional moment (“What Would I Do If I Could Feel.”)
Bringing heart and humor to the stage is a cast that is truly a joy to watch. Dana Cimone commands the spotlight as Dorothy, her powerhouse vocals and youthful energy making it clear why she was chosen for the role, especially in her heartfelt performance of “Home.” Kyla Jade is equally captivating as both Aunt Em and Evillene, delivering rich, resonant vocals and she is so much fun to watch in her bright costume and makeup.
Elijah Ahmad Lewis portrays the scarecrow with impressive vocals, perfect comedic timing and fun dance moves. D. Jerome’s smooth voice brings charm to “Slide Some Oil to Me” and he is especially moving in the second act. Rounding out the quartet of friends, Cal Mitchell delivers a delightful performance as the Cowardly Lion. Alan Mingo Jr. is commanding and entertaining as The Wiz. Shereradade’s Glinda, while beautifully sung, deserved more development within the musical’s book. Her impressive talents could have been showcased further and it was disappointing she wasn’t on stage more. The supporting cast and the ensemble dancers are exceptionally skilled and very fun to watch.
William F. Brown’s book is lively and fast-paced, highlighting Baum’s adventurous tale while seamlessly blending Black culture with a story audiences know so well. Its blend of soul music with a beloved narrative brings a sense of inclusivity to the theater, something historically lacking at times. What makes The Wiz stand out more than the colorful, vibrant sets and costumes is the heart of its story. Musical legend Stephen Sondheim once said of the musical, “It’s the one show which makes you feel better when you come out of it than you did when you walked in.” Trust a master of the stage and go see The Wiz.
The Wiz plays the Fabulous Fox through December 7th.
Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel