The Wiz returning to Bway in 2023 after National Tour — Page 4

“To me, it seems an odd schedule to play a ton of major cities and all these major markets before Broadway.”

 

It’s one of the most tired and true traditions of the golden age of Broadway, so not sure why it’s a shock. Have times and economics changed? Yes! But this isn’t a shocking model by any means…

the director still getting work is what should be shocking people. 

joevitus said: "jlindsey865 said: "I wonder if Jennifer Hudson would do this. I know she has her talk show now (which I assume films in LA), so it might be difficult.

Would love to see her as either Evillene or Glinda.

Also, I've been following the production of The Wizard of Oz at the Curve (which I'm kind of obsessed with). I could see Georgina Onuorah who plays Dorothy in that production being a good fit.

Also, is a national tour ending in a Broadway run typical? I always thought it was the other way around lol

I can see Hudson as a magnificent Evillene; I can't see her as Glinda."

I think it’s moot.  Why would she take such a small role in what sounds like it is going to be a cheap b&t production.  Makes no sense.

Avery Wilson can sang! I don’t know why I had a feeling beforehand that he would be apart of this! 

Very excited for Kyle Ramar Freeman!  Did they say anywhere for sure if they're going with an unknown for Dorothy, which is what I assume they'd be doing?

KYLE RAMAR FREEMAN!!!!!

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "joevitus said: "Please oh please oh please let there be a cast recording! Let it contain "Pssst" "Funky Monkeys" "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "A Rested Body is a Rested Mind.""

Do we know for sure those are being included in the revised show?

Those are among the most cuttable songs from THE WIZ."

I didn't mean to imply anyone did or didn't know this "for sure." It's my wish that there will be a recording and that these songs are included. They haven't been captured at all beyond bootlegs of variable quality, and I would like to have a recording of the complete score. I happen to think "A Rested Body is a Rested Mind" is a terrific song.

This version of the show was previously mounted by the MUNY in 2018 and all of these were cut, along with the Wiz’s Believe in Yourself. The Emerald City sequence had new music and You Can’t Win was slotted into the Scarecrow/Crows scene (I Was Born… was weirdly shoehorned into the beginning of Act 2). I assume those changes will carry over here.

I get really excited for this show and then I remember Schele Williams is directing and get disappointed all over again....... 

joevitus said: "sarcadam88 said: "This version of the show was previously mounted by the MUNY in 2018 and all of these were cut, along with the Wiz’s Believe in Yourself. The Emerald City sequence had new music and You Can’t Win was slotted into the Scarecrow/Crows scene (I Was Born… was weirdly shoehorned into the beginning of Act 2). I assume those changes will carry over here."

Well, that's depressing."

Who knows?  They could surprise us on their road to Broadway.  

Wayne Brady is The Wiz on Broadway and Alan Mingo Jr is The Wiz on tour.

Updated On: 6/7/23 at 10:10 AM

Plannietink08 said: "Wayne Brady is The Wiz on Broadway and Alan Mingo Jr is The Wiz on tour."

https://www.theatermania.com/news/wayne-brady-to-play-the-wiz-on-broadway_1704832/

This also confirms The Wiz will be on broadway next Spring with Brady as The Wiz. I wonder what theatre they will be taking!

Updated On: 6/7/23 at 10:33 AM

Well this is exciting! I absolutely LOVE Deborah Cox, and I think she will be fabulous. She's toured in the past with Jekyll & Hyde and The Bodyguard. This role will obviously be much smaller, but I'm still thrilled.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Deborah-Cox-and-Melody-A-Betts-Join-THE-WIZ-on-Broadway-and-Tour-20230613

I was hoping Stephanie Mills would join the show as Aunt Em and/or one of the witches!