The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” first opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre in 1975. The retelling of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, set in the context of African American culture, won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was one of the earliest examples of an all-Black cast that was fully accepted on Broadway. Since 1975, there has been a film adaptation in 1978, a short-lived revival on Broadway in 1984, and most recently, a live television production in 2015.
Now, The Wiz is writing its next chapter – a Pre-Broadway US Tour, which makes its Pittsburgh debut (since the original tour in 1976), this week!
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To mark this occasion, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and First Lady Michelle Gainey presented lead producer Brain Moreland with a “City of Pittsburgh Proclamation” on Tuesday to mark this historic day for the arts in Pittsburgh.
This current revival has elements of its’ original 1970s spunk, mixed with modern black culture references, dance moves, and sounds. The production is extremely colorful, and the use of LED backdrops and different lighting effects really helped transport the audience on Dorothy’s trip with her. The main principals, swing Mariah Lyttle as Dorothy, swing Jay Copeland as Scarecrow, swing Avilon Trust Tate as Tinman, and swing Anthony Murphy as Lion, stole the show with their charisma, vocals, and stage presence. While the “Tornado” dance at the top was truly breathtaking and the 70’s funk and Hip-Hop dance moves as the audience was being introduced to The Emerald City at the top of Act 2 created excitement. But Melody A. Betts’ portrayal of Evillene, along with her number “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” was truly one of the best moments of the production, and the scenic designs were of the highest quality and design.
The Wiz is in Pittsburgh at the Benedum Center until Sunday, with plans to open previews on Broadway at the Marquis Theater on March 29, 2024, and officially open on April 17, 2024.
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