The Orpheum Theatre recently kicked off its opening night of The Wiz, and unlike Dorothy, most guests weren't scurrying to get home.
The Tony Award-winning production, The Wiz, returns to stages in an all-new North American tour — first one in 40 years — and it is electrifying.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Dana Cimone as Dorothy, Elijah Ahmad Lewis as The Scarecrow, Cal Mitchell as The Lion, and D. Jerome as The Tinman — North American Tour of The Wiz.
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway — from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping '70s funk, to its emotionally-engaged journey of Dorothy finding her place in a contemporary world, and ultimately back home. With a compilation of ballet, jazz, and modern pop, the production's versatility is glorious, and brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Kyla Jade as Evillene and the ensemble of The Wiz — North American Tour of The Wiz.
And the vibrant color throughout every scene leaves you feeling divine. Even Evillene was riveting in all of her wickedness.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring American fantasies, and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Sheherazade as Glinda, Dana Cimone as Dorothy, and Amitria Fanae as Addaperle — North American Tour of The Wiz.
The main cast includes Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut, as Dorothy, Alan Mingo Jr., returning to the role he originated on the pre-Broadway tour and played on Broadway as The Wiz, also making their national tour debuts Sheherazade as Glinda and Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene, D. Jerome (MJ the Musical, Hamilton) as the Tinman, Cal Mitchell as the Lion, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Ain't Too Proud, Motown The Musical) as the Scarecrow.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Cal Mitchell as The Lion, Elijah Ahmad Lewis as The Scarecrow, Dana Cimone as Dorothy, and Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz — North American Tour of The Wiz.
The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975, and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards. “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor, and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
The ensemble of The Wiz in Emerald City — North American Tour of The Wiz.
The musical will showcase July 22-27, at The Orpheum Theatre. For ticket information, or to learn more about the full cast and production, visit The Orpheum Theatre Group or The Wiz Musical.