THE WIZ Previews- Page 6

[KitKatBoy24]

Posted: 4/13/24 at 2:31pm

Caught this show this week and was extremely disappointed. This is the worst show of the season. The set design is awful/non existent. The few pieces they did bring on looked extremely cheap and ugly. The costumes were also unappealing and cheap. The lighting was fine, I guess. The sound mix was terrible and it was often hard to hear the vocals over the orchestra unless they were really in their most powerful range. The choreo was all over the place and never really thrilled me, which made Brand New Day a big let down.

The cast has incredible vocals (when you can hear them) but the acting was just awful. Dorothy and Scarecrow especially suffered during the book scenes. Also, this updated book doesn’t do them any help. It was cringey.

I really thought hearing this music live would justify the ticket, but honestly it was just disappointing and I’d recommend skipping this show. If they can’t act, the song won’t be effective. 

[mariansmith]

Posted: 4/17/24 at 3:23am

When The Wiz first hit Broadway in 1975, it was a vibrant and revolutionary reimagining of L. Frank Baum's classic, presented through the lens of African American culture. Opening on January 5, 1975, at the Majestic Theatre, the show was an instant sensation, blending soul, funk, and a unique narrative style that resonated deeply with audiences. Despite initial doubts about its viability, The Wiz triumphed, earning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for an impressive 1,672 performances. Its success marked a significant moment in Broadway history, showcasing the immense talents of Stephanie Mills as Dorothy and a dynamic cast who brought this re-envisioned Oz to life.

Updated On: 4/17/24 at 03:23 AM

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 4/17/24 at 4:12am

Mama, kudos for saying that. For spilling. 

[Malinda5000]

Posted: 4/17/24 at 1:41pm

Mariana Smtih said: "When The Wizfirst hit Broadway in 1975, it was a vibrant and revolutionary reimagining of L. Frank Baum's classic, presented through the lens of African American culture. Opening on January 5, 1975, at the Majestic Theatre, the show was an instant sensation, blending soul, funk, and a unique narrative style that resonated deeply with audiences. Despite initial doubts about its viability, The Wiztriumphed, earning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for an impressive 1,672 performances. Its success marked a significant moment in Broadway history, showcasing the immense talents of Stephanie Mills as Dorothy and a dynamic cast who brought this re-envisioned Oz to life."

Actually… The Wiz was NOT an instant hit back in 1975.

The critics were not kind to the all black remake of The Wizard Of Oz. They actually posted closing notices soon after opening night in January 1975.

It wasn’t until the great Geoffrey Holder decided to make a commercial with the original cast singing “Ease On Down The Road” … that’s when ticket sales soared and the public started going to the Majestic Theater in droves and I was one of them….and well…the rest of course is history.

 

Updated On: 4/17/24 at 01:41 PM

[Tevin Three]

Posted: 4/17/24 at 9:52pm

YvanEhtNioj said: "CurtainsUpat8 said: ""For today's audiences, this production may be just fine."
This sums up 80 percent of Broadway Shows in one sentence. Our standards have dropped so low. I have been going to Broadway for 50 years."

I think they are banking on the fact that this is a classic to my fellow black people. the average black american grew up with The Wiz and doesnt know good theatre (no shade). They are counting on the fact that black people will see this REGARDLESS because..it's The Wiz. The only other musical with that power is Dreamgirls."

The average Black American does not know good theatre? Oh, really? As opposed to average Americans of other races who flock to mediocrity in droves? How feverishly do you genuflect as you pretend that the banality you see all over Broadway is brilliant? Do you judge the sea of nonblack tourists at TKTS buying tickets to bad shows by ethnicity? Would you dare to ever type, "The average White American does not know good theatre"?  

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 4/20/24 at 9:32pm

Easily one of the worst things I’ve ever seen on Broadway. I fled at intermission.

[Sauja]

Posted: 5/3/24 at 7:39am

I don’t want to spend much on this given how brutal word of mouth is, but…it’s still The Wiz, so I do want to go. Can anyone speak to how partial the view is from the partial view seats all the way to the sides of the orchestra?

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 5/3/24 at 9:22am

Sauja said: "I don’t want to spend much on this given how brutal word of mouth is, but…it’s still The Wiz, so I do want to go. Can anyone speak to how partial the view is from the partial view seats all the way to the sides of the orchestra?"

 

How do you feel about Cleveland?

[CurtainsUpat8]

Posted: 5/3/24 at 9:39am

I saw the original production of The Wiz.  It was the first Broadway show I ever saw. I had played the album over and over and over. I loved the score!  However.... that original production looked cheap as well.  Parts of it was bordering on silly. The acting was over the top. Stephanie Mills sang beautifully but she was a terrible actress.  The sets looked cheap. It was a disappointment to me, even though now I am sure happy I saw it.   I am sorry to say, it suffered from some of the same issues this production does.

[silent]

Posted: 5/8/24 at 7:45am

The younger stars of The Wiz slayed the red carpet at the Met Gala this week. 
 

Anna Wintour attended opening night of The Wiz last month. 

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 5/8/24 at 7:50am

Be warned. Dorthy, Tinman and The Wiz were out last night. 

[TBone]

Posted: 5/8/24 at 1:37pm

I saw the show Sunday night and everyone except Deborah Cox was in. I enjoyed the u/s but thought all of the other leads sounded pretty tired.