'The Wiz' eases on down to Broadway

The '70s Tony Award-winning musical "The Wiz," a soulful retelling of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," is back on Broadway. Contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with members of the cast (including Wayne Brady, who is stepping into the shoes of the Wiz), and with director Schele Williams and writer Amber Ruffin, who are revising the show for today's audience.

#TheWiz #broadwaymusical

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[robingrant]

I saw it 1974 on Broadway with my high school sweet heart! It was our first Broadway show experience! I remember Stephanie Mills she was beautiful and amazing! We were about the same age and came from the same neighborhood! -That really meant a lot to me as a young Black Girl! When she sang home I knew what she was talking about!-🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾👏🏾👏🏾Love You Always Stephanie!❤

[wendysharpe]

This new version was spectacular. The tin man has some serious swag and the lion was full of energy and fun. The scarecrow was hysterical. Saw Stephanie Mills in the 70’s and this new Dorthy held her own. Wayne Brady is the perfect Wiz.

[autumnof]

This Broadway show was amazing. I saw it twice in one month.

[peterjoseph-limitlesslifes]

I saw this company at The Marquis Theatre on Broadway a couple of weeks ago. I loved it! The audience went wild for it as well.

[d.m.]

Awesome Show, new up to date spin on it!!! As a baby my mom use to sing the Judy Garland's "Over The Rainbow" with my daughter & we saw the sold out show on Easter Sunday, 03/31/24. As a child my parents took me to see the Original The Wiz Broadway Play, starring Stephanie Mills. Played the soundtrack in our home all the time. My daughter & son watched the Diana Ross & 🕊💔Michael Jackson film on dvd all the time. Timeless classic🗽🏙💘Brooklyn Love

[daledonaldson]

Just saw this show this past Thursday. It was so much fun! Very entertaining with great choreography, music, and acting.
I only wish Glinda had been on stage more, and that Toto was included. A fantastic updated version of a classic.

[skh]

I would love to see it, I am such a fan of The Wiz.

[lcruisin]

I saw this in Chicago and I had so much fun!!! I hope to see it again in New York soon!!

[mozellephilpart]

I'm happy for the new Broadway Show the Wiz but I absolutely loved the Wiz with Stephanie Mills! To me that show was Great! It was so great to me I took 3 different 5th classes to it! Love you Stephanie!❤

[lovettcarson]

WE HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED OUR TICKETS FOR MAY 2..NEW YORK CITY, .I HAVE LOVED THE WIZ SINCE 1974....I have chills just watching this right now, I AM SO EXCITED, WOW...I still have it on DVD, I watch it with my grandchildren..THEY KNOW, GRANNY LOVES "THE WIZ"

[robzphotoz]

Saw this show on it's national tour! Absolutely incredible! Every cast member is so talented!! ❤

[arthurfletcher]

So sad! As a baby boomer the first thing some of us immediately think of Stephanie Mill--Home!

[angelinamclaughlin-heil]

Brady has always belonged on Broadway!

[sjwilloughby-greene]

Best wishes to all the cast & crew. I am sure it will be fantastic. 🙏

[fannishmarcia]

Andre DeSheilds as The Wizard was INCREDIBLE. I do like Wayne Brady, yet his rendition is tame by comparison. I was fortunate to see it on Broadway more than once. Yay! Stephanie Mills has no equal as Dorothy. And I cannot forget the Yellow Brick Road. I don't see them here, either. They were more than dynamic!

[mozellephilpart]

No one sings Home like Stephanie Mills!❤

[chrisfinch]

The WIZ is truly one of the best musicals and movie adaptations from the original Broadway show, as well as the original 1939 Judy Garland movie (in which no one can replace her as Dorothy).

Even like the late Michael Jackson, I’m always easing on down that Yellow Brick Road, whenever I’m watching any adaptation of The WIZ, myself.

[Faith_Ell]

Saw this in Chicago and it is definitely a show to see! Hope they do a cast recording soon!

[BedStuyDOD]

I saw original on broadway back in HS, MY FIRST PLAY. I got my tickets…can’t wait to see it AGAIN!

[edreid]

Having seen the Judy Garland version many, many times, the original Broadway show, the Diana Ross version in the theatre, and many times on television..and the live version on TV as well..I can honestly say, I'm whizzed out..🤣