I just got back from the Wiz in San Diego. I enjoyed it but thought it is badly flawed. It will definitely get trashed by the NY critics in its current state- IF (and that's very big if) it were to go to Broadway.
I found two major problems with the show. The post-industrial/postmodern concept of the show did not work for me. There are some very impressive visuals in the show but the production doesn't capture the HEART of the show. Too much attention is paid to cute visuals and updated jokes at the expense of character development. All the bells and whistles detract from the audience's identification with Dorothy. As much as the show was fun to look at, there was no emotional payoff at the end.
Secondly, the orchestrations for this revival were "updated", i.e. greatly reduced to 8 instruments and heavily synthesized. Keeping the original orchestrations, with a 24 piece orchesra including string section would have injected some needed humanity into this very high-tech production.
While one could quibble with certain performances or certain choreography choices, I found the directorial vision and the synthesized orchestrations to be the main negative with this production With some more attention paid to develping the character of Dorothy (and including some QUIET moments in this very loud production) and bringing back the old orchestrations, this show could become a Broadway hit.
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
