Based on L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, audiences praising it for transforming one of the world's most enduring American fantasies into an all-Black musical extravaganza. Charlie Smalls' score — with songs from Luther Vandross and Timothy Graphenreed — blended '70s funk with soul, gospel, and rock, and spurred well-known hits like "Ease on Down the Road," "Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice)" and "Home." It took home seven Tony awards including best musical.
The current revival — directed by Schele Williams and produced by Real Housewives of Atlantapair Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker (among others) — stars Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Avery Wilson as Scarecrow, Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman and Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion.
Wayne Brady plays the The Wiz, while Deborah Cox takes on the role of Glinda. Melody A. Betts rounds out the principal cast as both Aunt Em and Evillene.
The Wiz ensemble includes Lauryn Adams, Maya Bowles, Shayla Alayre Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Judith Franklin, Michael Samarie George, Collin Heyward, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Polanco Jones, Kolby Kindle, Mariah Lyttle, Kareem Marsh, Alan Mingo, Jr., Anthony Murphy, Dustin Praylow, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate, Keenan D. Washington and Timothy Wilson.
Here's a look at all the stars on opening night:
Deborah Cox and Wayne Brady
Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker
Brandee Evans
Noah Galvin and Ben Platt
Amber Ruffin
Sherri Shepherd
Sunny Hostin
Andy Cohen
Tamron Hall
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Peppermint
Leslie Uggams
LaChanze
Stephanie Mills
Shanice Williams
Nichelle Lewis
Avery Wilson
Phillip Johnson Richardson
Kyle Ramar Freeman
Melody A. Betts
Huma Abedin
Ben Vereen
Melba Moore
Ken Page
Anna Wintour
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