THE WIZ: 2015 NBC LIVE MUSICAL — Page 30

Let me be clear (in case I haven't). I'm not saying "leave it alone." I'm just saying if you are changing it for whatever reason, honor the material, be true to the original intent, and stay focused on the (classic) story you're re-telling.

That's all.

I'm not a purist, or I never would have liked "The Wiz" in the first place. Or even the MGM film which made several changes from the novel. But those changes and updates honored the source material and they were true to the intent and the tone of the original story. That's why they worked. They didn't try to be smarter or "make it better" for new audiences. Anyone who thinks they can make this story better is arrogant and wrong.

the ensemble cast have been announced today. 33 people are a part of the ensemble. that is a lot of people.

Updated On: 10/28/15 at 05:46 PM

teddy1996 said: "the ensemble cast have been announced today. 33 people are a part of the ensemble. that is a lot of people.

Does the size of the ensemble make it more true or less true to the original?

"

teddy1996 said: "I can't tell if the size of the ensemble would make it true to the original or not.

Can't? or won't?

teddy1996 said: "How am i supposed to know?

"

Probably the same way you know that despite a revised book, added characters, song changes, and song additions it will still be faithful to the original.

http://m.playbill.com/news/article/nbc-announces-full-cast-for-the-wiz-live-369325

In an article i saw on this, queen latifah says that with this live musical they want the audience to feel what they felt when the original broadway musical debuted.

well. i am only providing more new information for those who are excited for this. if you do not like what i am posting, then move on. you don't have to be disrespectful

CATSNYrevival said: "If they really wanted us to feel the way audiences felt when the show debuted then trusting the material and not fu@king with the text and score would have been a good place to start."

Like seriously. The original version is far from perfect but it gets the feels in abundance.

This is from a photo i found on facebook. This is from an article in people magazine. There is a sneak peek of what oz might will look like.

Updated On: 11/1/15 at 05:26 PM

I don't see it either, but I think it's true to the original.

The Wiz nearly closed because it had such a shaky path getting it to the (great) production that finally opened on Broadway. Producers were nervous. Major changes were being made (the director and the Scarecrow were both replaced). And the advance wasn't strong until the commercial started to air and the reviews came out.

The closing notice was posted on opening night. Not a rumor or a guess. The physical notice went up. Then the next day, the phones were ringing off the hook and there was a line at the box office.

And the rest is history.

New promo: https://youtu.be/D3Z53V6x0KU