The Wiz returning to Bway in 2023 after National Tour — Page 9

Sad to hear that about the choreography. I was really excited for Jaquel.

slow_the_rain said: "I saw a poston TikTokspeculating that the background projections for this production are AI generated. The poster includes a few photos.

I’ve known a few projection designers with a lot of confidence in bad Photoshop, sure, but the imagery certainly seems to possess AI idiosyncrasies aplenty."

Whoa that is baaaaaad. Is that really what the projections look like? I mean, this is a long overdue major Broadway revival, and that is just horrendous.

So I heard someone suggest that perhaps they're going with the badly made AI projections because maybe it's the more cost effective/ more convenient option for the touring production. Maybe that was the best option to be able to tour with the show. So I'm holding out hope that when the production settles in NYC they'll have actual sets and less projections.

I use Photoshop all the time in my job and I don't think most folks realize that generative AI tools are a built in function on there now. So I'm not sure this is really shocking? More lack of understanding?

AEA AGMA SM said: "Daniel Brody is credited with projection design. Whether he used AI tools to help create the images I can’t say, but that wouldn’t have necessarily saved the production any money."

Exactly. The more I think about this, the more I think someone is trying to start a scandal where there just isn't one. There is still a hired projection designer who is using a tool instead of drawing it all by hand. It's not as if the projection designer has been replaced by a computer. Here's a link of a very basic explanation of how this tool would work for projection design. https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/ai.html

I understand the fear of AI in the arts, and agree there is plenty to be fearful of, but I'm just not sure this is it.

Sammy232 said: "AEA AGMA SM said: "Daniel Brody is credited with projection design. Whether he used AI tools to help create the images I can’t say, but that wouldn’t have necessarily saved the production any money."

Exactly. The more I think about this, the more I think someone is trying to start a scandal where there just isn't one. There is still a hired projection designer who is using a tool instead of drawing it all by hand. It's not as if the projection designer has been replaced by a computer. Here's a link of a very basic explanation of how this tool would work for projection design.https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/ai.html

I understand the fear of AI in the arts, and agree there is plenty to be fearful of, but I'm just not sure this is it."

I fail to see how this isn't a cost-cutting measure that could ultimately pave the way for further use of AI generated scenic design within the theatre world. The utility and proliferation of generative AI in the digital art world is not wholly relevant. Just because a lot of people use it frequently and to better effect doesn't mean it's not ultimately costing people their jobs. The argument stands: They (producers, designer, I'm not sure who made the call here) used AI to facilitate the creation of a subpar product and did not pay for the additional time and human labor to refine the product. If we tolerate it and still shell out the money for tickets, they will continue to do so and we will only see more unfinished and obviously inhuman designs on stage.

This production is quite rough unfortunately, but has Schele Williams ever proven herself to be a director of quality?


Introducing Glinda in act I is a huge mistake. “He’s the Wiz” doesn’t fit Cox or the character whatsoever. And boy, are there some rough notes being sung by this cast. The only ones I left with a favorable opinion on were Ramsey and the actress playing Dorothy.


Im fine they introduced Evillene earlier, whatever. But it seems more so as an excuse to justify costs. Production after production, it proves more and more that The Wiz is a show best left in our memories. It has a more favorable view there.

I honestly think anyone attempting a new production of this musical should be required to go back and start with Geoffrey Holder's original production and, especially, his original costume designs and George Faison's original choreography. They are products of their times and would need to be updated, but they should be used as a starting point, IMO, because every subsequent attempt has been watered down and worse in comparison.

I was underwhelmed the performance of "Ease On Down The Road" on the Tamron Hall Show. I was still considering going when it comes to the Pantages, but after reading this thread I'm not sure it's worth that money. This is not the sort of show that should be done cheaply for a major tour and Broadway revival.

FANtomFollies said: "slow_the_rain said: "If we tolerate it and still shell out the money for tickets, they will continue to do so and we will only see more unfinished and obviously inhuman designs on stage."

I am an IATSE member and I fully expect another strike when the IATSE contract is up next year over the use of AI in design for Film, TV and Theatre. I hope there isn't another strike, but if there is it will be for a worthy cause that we have to get control of ASAP."

The U.S. Copyright Office is rejecting requests to register copyrights on AI, and at least one court has already ruled AI cannot be copyrighted. It certainly is lazy design work if you are a professional. Why would you rely on AI when anyone can then just take it?

I checked my email all day and I didn’t receive a code for tomorrow’s presale. Did anyone get one!

Did anyone get a code for today’s presale?

I signed up on the show’s website to receive a fan presale code, but I haven’t received one. Can you please share it? I would greatly appreciate it. :)

Updated On: 11/3/23 at 04:33 PM