Broadway in Chicago presents the all-new North American and Pre-Broadway Premiere Revival of THE WIZ.
In 1974, William F. Brown (book) and Charlie Small (music and lyrics) conceived the hipper version of L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The Tony Award-winning musical was cast with black performers. The musical was later made into a movie with a star-studded cast that included Diana Ross, Lena Horne and Michael Jackson. The musical’s setting was edgier and more urban than the original iconic Judy Garland version. And it produced memorable tunes like “Home”, “Rejoice” and the popular “Ease on down the road.”
The current production en route to Broadway has a lot going for it. Newcomer Nichelle Lewis (Dorothy) gives a powerhouse performance. Her vocal talents combined with the fabulous Deborah Cox (Glinda) make for a memorable finale in “Believe in Yourself” and “Home.” Melody A. Betts (Aunt Em/Evillene) fills the stage with personality in “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” An impressive Phillip Johnson Richardson (Tinman) gets oiled and gets down with some amazing dance moves. The design team of Hannah Beachler (scenic), Daniel Brodie (projections) and Sharen Davis (costumes) create a visual feast from tornado to poppies to Emerald City. The looks are distinct and dynamic.
Despite this seamless transition from scene to scene, the energy level, particularly in Act 2, drags. Lewis, Richardson, Kyle Ramar Freeman (Lion) and Avery Wilson (Scarecrow) have a playful camaraderie. Yet, their banter often feels redundant. The well-known story doesn’t require ongoing reminders of how the Wiz can assist them. When they stop to talk about their feelings, it loses some of their adventure’s urgency. Their chatting could be trimmed. Songs also seem arranged to showcase vocal range which is admirable but slows down the action. The score feels more ballad-driven than Motown groovy. This production lacks some of the original gutsy verve.
A revival is hard. The audience arrives with a certain expectation. For me, THE WIZ has always been a nontraditional -almost defiant- take on the beloved story. This THE WIZ is a mellower version of that. Still, the cast is super talented! The show is fun. THE WIZ conjures up a good time!
Running Time: Two hours and forty minutes includes an intermission
Cadillac Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
Book by William F. Brown
Music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls
Additional materials for this production by Amber Ruffin
Music supervision and orchestrations by Joseph Joubert
Choreography by Jaquel Knight
Directed by Scheme Williams
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Wednesday at 2pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm and 7:30pm
Thru December 10th
For more information or tickets
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