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Your home for information about the touring broadway productions in north america, ‘the wiz’ announces full cast for upcoming national tour.

In advance of its highly anticipated national tour this fall and Broadway return in the spring of 2024, producers Kristin Caskey ,  Mike Isaacson ,  Brian Anthony Moreland , and Ambassador Theatre Group have announced complete casting for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning hit musical The Wiz .

Alan Mingo Jr. will star in the role of the Wiz for the tour’s initial cities, followed by Wayne Brady , who will lead the production as the Wiz in San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as on Broadway in spring of 2024.

The cast also features Deborah Cox  as Glinda and  Melody A. Betts  as Aunt Em and Evillene,  Kyle Ramar Freeman  ( A Strange Loop ) as the Lion,  Phillip Johnson Richardson  ( Sharper, Apple+ ) as the Tinman, and  Avery Wilson  ( The Voice ) as the Scarecrow, respectively. Richardson and Wilson will be making their Broadway debuts.

Broadway newcomer Nichelle Lewis will star as “Dorothy.” Ms. Lewis who hails from Virginia, was discovered via a TikTok video, and selected from more than 2,000 submissions for the coveted role.

The Wiz  ensemble features  Maya Bowles ,  Shayla Alayre Caldwell ,  Jay Copeland , Allyson Kaye   Daniel ,  Judith Franklin ,  Michael Samarie George ,  Collin Heyward , Amber Jackson ,  Olivia Jackson ,  Christina Jones ,  Polanco Jones ,  Kolby Kindle , Mariah Lyttle ,  Kareem Marsh ,  Anthony Murphy ,  Cristina Rae ,  Matthew Sims Jr , Avilon Trust Tate , and  Keenan D. Washington .

Featuring a book by  William F. Brown  and a Tony Award-winning score by  Charlie Smalls  (and others), director  Schele Williams  ( The Notebook , revival of Disney’s Aida ), award-winning choreographer  JaQuel Knight  (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,”  Black is King ), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host  Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), and Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements) are conjuring up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop will bring a whole new groove to easing on down the road.  

The Wiz  design team will include scenic design by Academy Award-winning  Hannah Beachler  ( Black Panther,  Beyoncé’s  Black is King  and  Lemonade) , costume design by Emmy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated  Sharen Davis ( Ray , Dreamgirls ), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning  Ryan J. O’Gara ( Thoughts of a Colored Man ), sound design by  Jon Weston  ( Parade ), projection design by Daniel Brodie  ( Motown the Musical ) and wig design by  Charles LaPointe  ( MJ the Musica l).

Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies, and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.

The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson.

Biographies

Wayne Brady  ( The Wiz)  multiple Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady has made his mark on stage and screen as an actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, and television personality. A true multi-hyphenate, Brady’s career path and personal life journey have helped him see the world in a unique way. His aspirations have always gone beyond solely starring in various entertainment projects, and under his Makin’ It Up Productions banner, he’s set out to create new content across different platforms that showcase innovation and inclusivity in fun and powerful ways.

A five-time Emmy winner (the first to win Daytime and Primetime awards in two consecutive years), Brady has an impressive TV resume including  Whose Line Is It Anyway?   The Masked Singer, Dancing With The Stars, Black Lighting, The Good Fight,  and Showtime’s  American Gigolo – each spotlighting different aspects of his immense talent. In addition to being a force in front of the camera, Brady is heavily active behind the scenes wearing the hats of host & executive producer for  Let’s Make A Deal, Game of Talents , and  Comedy IQ , which he also co-created.

All of this follows on the heels of the success of his award-winning daytime talk show  The Wayne Brady Show . Long an accomplished singer and performer, Brady’s musical acumen has always been a personal passion and he used that as fuel to help win the second season of  The Masked Singer . Off his victory, Brady dropped a brand-new original single, entitled “Flirtin’ w/ Forever,” which quickly climbed the streaming charts, as well as an accompanying music video. This follows the success of his debut album which was headlined by a version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” which earned him a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category. Brady has also triumphed on-stage starting with his Broadway debut starring as legal showman ‘Billy Flynn’ in the long-running hit musical, “ Chicago .” Soon after Brady starred as the ground-breaking character ‘Lola’ in “ Kinky Boots ,” Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Brady would later assume his biggest theatrical role to date headlining as ‘Aaron Burr’ in the Chicago production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning juggernaut “ Hamilton .” Recently Brady returned to Broadway as part of  Freestyle Love Supreme  working with the production team of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Anthony Veneziale. The unique show combines the fusion of hip-hop, improv, and comedy which won it a special Tony Award for its innovation and contributions to the world of theater.

Earlier this year, Brady announced he will again partner with the  Freestyle Love Supreme  team as well as Speechless to create “FLS+,” a new company committed to making improv globally accessible. Brady’s career evolution has also expanded to TikTok, amassing a stellar following in a short period of time. Whether utilizing social media to raise awareness of important social issues or collaborating with his extended family, the medium has helped him continue to reach and interact with new fans in surprising and innovative ways.

Maya Bowles  (Ensemble) is a proud Atlanta native and Point Park Alumna who is thrilled to be a part of  The Wiz  legacy! Broadway:  Moulin Rouge! The Musical . Nothing would be possible without the love and support of her family, both given and chosen, and her incredible team at MMV Talent! @mayabowles

Shayla Alayre Caldwell  (Ensemble) is a third generation native of New Haven, Connecticut. She began dancing at a very young age after being introduced to Guinean culture by her parents and dance mentor. She was accepted into the B.F.A. program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 2007. A few highlights of her dance career include representing the USA at the International Festival of Ballet held in Cali, Colombia, performing at the infamous Joyce Theater, Delacorte Theater in Central Park, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and being featured in The New York Times. She is overjoyed to premiere in her Broadway debut amongst so many talented people with the revival of The Wiz! IG: @salayre_jet.

Jay Copeland  (Ensemble) is excited to be part of the original revival cast for  The Wiz !  Recent stage credits include:  Ain’t Misbehavin  (“Andre”) Geva and Westport Theatres,  Hairspray  (Seaweed),  Jesus Christ Superstar  (Judas), and the opening act for  Patti LaBelle in Concert 2022 . In 2022, Jay was a contestant on ABC’s “American Idol” and was the first ever contestant to receive a Platinum Ticket (awarded to the top contestant in each of the 3 cities where  American Idol  held auditions).  Jay appeared in over 20 episodes and finished Top 7. Instagram @theejaycopeland and TikTok: theejaycopeland.   

Allyson Kaye Daniel  (Ensemble) is a former Public School Music Teacher. Big thanks to Tara Rubin Casting. And of course the entire Wiz creative team!!! Broadway Credits:  1776 Revival .  National tours:  Elf, The Color Purple . TV Credits:  Manifest, Law & Order: SVU, Search Party, High Maintenance,  and  Living With Yourself.  @akayedaniel

Judith Franklin  (Ensemble) is honored and ecstatic to take this trip along the yellow brick road, a road she first traveled as a young girl from her living room as she watched her first musical,  The Wiz ! Judith is a graduate of Houston’s Grammy Award-winning High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (Vocal/Dance) and Clark Atlanta University (B.A. Theatre). Her Broadway credits include  Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical . National Tours:  Motown: The Musical, Straight Outta Oz, Madea On The Run . Off Broadway:  TILL . Regional:  Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dreamgirls, Memphis The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Company . TV/Film: “Blue Bloods,”  “ Dynasty,” “Sesame Street,” Superintelligence and more. She has performed throughout the United States, Caribbean, Africa, Europe and South America. Apart from stage and screen, as a proud member of Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV), she spends her time giving back as Coordinator of the Arts & Education Program through BIV in collaboration with Covenant House New York.  www.JudithFranklin.com   IG @judithfranklin and TikTok @iamjudithfranklin

Michael Samarie George  (Swing) is thrilled to be a part of this iconic show and talented team! Previously in  Hamilton  (Chicago),  The Devil Wears Prada  and other major stage productions, including professional choreography. She loves performing, producing and is truly passionate about making change through art. Michael wishes to thank her family, friends, and reps for their support. @michaelsamarie

Collin Heyward  (Ensemble) is from Newport News, VA native, Collin, is elated to be joining  The Wiz !  Broadway: Disney’s  The Lion King. Regional: Memphis  (NCT). TV/Film: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” American Music Awards, Black Nativity . Dance: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Instagram: @collinheyward  

Amber Jackson  (Ensemble) is a multifaceted artist from Decatur, GA and is thrilled to be joining the cast of  The Wiz . Broadway:  Wicked ,  Hamilton: An American Musical,   The Devil Wears Prada . Off-Broadway: ctgla:  Transparent the Musical . TV/Film: “Power Book III,”  Soundtrack ,  A Jazzman’s Blues , “So You Think You Can Dance,” “American Idol,” “Good Morning America,” “The Talk,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Video Music Awards. @ambertiara                  

Olivia “Melio J.” Jackson  (Ensemble) was born in Columbus, Mississippi in 1996. She grew up the middle child, raised by her amazing mother with a strong foundation rooted in their love for God. Olivia or “O.J” as some friends call her, has always been a performer since the day she was born. When her mom moved the family to Atlanta, GA in the early 2000’s is when she fell more in love with the arts and knew that she could truly thrive. Through hard work paired with her family’s support she has been able to make great accomplishments and she is now a professional dancer who graces stages across the world with amazing artists such as the iconic girl group Xscape, BBD, City Girls, Lecrae, and so many more. She’s an actress on the hit Starz Network series, “PValley” as “Toy”. She is now making her big Broadway debut!  @therealmelo.j  

Christina Jones  (Ensemble) will be making her Broadway Debut! A proud poet, solo artist, and recent graduate of Boston Conservatory, Christina’s early career consisted of various vocal competitions (American Idol and Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY). Theatre:  Cabaret  (Ensemble),  Shrek the Musical  (Dragon),  For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf   (Lady in Yellow),  The Rocky Horror Show  (Janet Weiss),  Once On This Island  (Erzulie),  Ain’t Misbehavin’   (Charlaine Woodard), and  Sister Act  (Michelle/Deloris understudy). @ChristinaJonesOfficial

Polanco Jones, Jr . (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut in a show that aligns with his mission as a lifelong storyteller. He is an award-winning international theatre artist with a passion for creating contemporary socio-political work that heightens Black visibility. A New Orleans native, and 2020’s Big Easy Theatre Person of the Year, Polanco is thrilled to be a part of this adventure of heritage and innovation; which continues to allow him to stand on the shoulders of his ancestors. He would like to thank his family, friends, UMT, NOJM, CMWC and SAKS& management for their endless support. To God be the glory. Past credits include:  Black No More  (Off Broadway) IG@Imizpolancojonesjr

Kolby Kindle  (Ensemble) appeared Off-Broadway:  The Play That Goes Wrong  (Trevor);  Harmony . Original Australian Cast of  Come From Away  (Bob and Others). National Tours:  Waitress ,  The Book of Mormon ,  Sister Act ,  Dreamgirls , Disney’s  Beauty and the Beast . Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, The Old Globe, MTW, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Arrow Rock Lyceum. Voiceover: South Park: The Fractured but Whole video game. @kolbykin

Mariah Lyttle  (Dorothy U/S). Broadway:  Bad Cinderella  (Ensemble/Cinderella U/S). National Tour:  The Color Purple  (Celie). Regional:  Dreamgirls  (Lorrell) at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL,  Smokey Joe’s Café  (BJ) at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA,  Ain’t Misbeahavin’  (Armelia) at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, UT,  The Wiz  (Dorothy) at Virginia Repertory Theatre,  Ragtime  (Sarah) and  Ain’t Misbeahvin  (Self) at Park Playhouse in Albany, NY. Ithaca College ‘19, BFA in Musical Theatre. DGRW. For God, my family, my friends, and my students. Esther 4:14.  www.mariahlyttle.com . @mariahlyttle!

Kareem Marsh  (Ensemble) is a Philadelphia native who began his vocal and dance training at the age of 13. He has trained at various institutions in the state of Pennsylvania, under the tutelage of arts cultivators such as Joan Myers Brown, Dara Meredith, Shawn-Lamere Williams and Lucinda McCann. Kareem began his professional career dancing and touring with international dance companies such as Eleone Dance Theater, Waheed Works, and Philadanco, The Philadelphia Dance Company. He has traveled and performed in over 13 countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with Holland America Cruise Lines. In 2017 Kareem was featured in Dance Magazine highlighting his professional experience performing abroad. In 2021 he was also featured in the popular film adaptation of the musical  In The Heights  by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Kareem is also an esteemed arts educator within the tri-state area. Since 2012 he has taught within the Philadelphia and New Jersey Public school systems choreographing various musicals, and curating many programs for the empowerment of our youth. @Kareemdances

Anthony Murphy  (Ensemble) was most recently seen in the Lucille Lortel Award winning Off-Broadway Musical  Titanique . Anthony was also a part of the World Premiere of T he Devil Wear Prada  the musical written by Elton John. Before that Anthony was featured as Paul Burrell in  Diana The Musical  on Broadway! Tour:  Aladdin  (Genie, OTC). Off-Broadway:  The Pirate La Dee Da (Atlantic Theatre Company), Blue Plate Special (Ars Nova).  @stanthonysings

Cristina Raė  (Ensemble) born and raised in Nashville, TN. Heidi Klums’ Golden Buzzer and Top 3 on  Americas Got Talent  Season 15. Has been performing since the age of 7. Performing on many platforms like: Two-time 1st place winner at Amateur Night at the Apollo, CMA Fest, CMT Awards, The Stellar Awards amongst others. Numerous Off Broadway productions such as  Dreamgirls, Porgy and Bess, The Color Purple, Fame, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horror  as Crystal and so many more. She’s not just a performer, she’s a mother as well, to an amazing little boy named Jeremiah. She’s not just pursuing her dreams for herself and her son but for every child as well as adult, that needs proof that dreams really come true! Leaving her legacy is one of her biggest goals!  The Wiz  will not only be her debut on a national tour but also her Broadway debut! THIS IS BLACK EXCELLENCE! @CristinaRaeSing

Matthew Sims Jr.  (Swing) hails from the great state of Louisiana but has lived in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Matthew’s thrilled to have moved to OZ to meet this Wiz and make his Broadway debut! His recent credits include the National Tours of  The Book Of Mormon and Motown:The Musical . Matthew is a performer to the core and is passionate about making the day of everyone he meets a little bit brighter. @matthewsimsjr

Avilon Trust Tate  (Ensemble) is extremely thankful to be making his Broadway debut! National Tours:  Mean Girls  (Ensemble, U/S Duvall). Regional:  R+H Cinderella  (NSMT ), Chess  (MUNY. IG: @avilon.tate

Keenan D. Washington  (Ensemble) also known as singer/ songwriter Little Town, is making his Broadway debut in  The Wiz . The Miami, FL native began his theatrical training with Mrs. Tanisha Cidel and received his formal dance training in The Young Contemporary Dance Theater, under the direction of Mrs. Traci Young-Byron. He then went on to receive his B.F.A from The University of the Arts and is an alumnus of New World School of the Arts, The School at Jacob’s Pillow and Springboard Danse de Montreal. Awards :  Honorary Webby Award winner for Hercules Muse Medley (YouTube) and NAACP ACT-SO gold medalist and national finalist. Tour: First National Tour of Hamilton: An American Musical (Angelica OG & Philip). Film/TV: Steven Spielberg’s  The Color Purple  (2023) and  Praise This  (Peacock),  SuperBowl LVI  (Kendrick Lamar)  & LIV (Shakira),  Dancing With The Stars, Masked Singer, NBC’s Peter Pan Live  and  Hairspray  Live Background Singing and Dancing: Mariah Carey, Brandy, Lil Nas X, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande & more. @littletown.music

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ALL-NEW “THE WIZ” ANNOUNCES COMPLETE NATIONAL TOUR ROUTE

by DKC/O&M , May 11, 2023

Broadway Press Contacts: Rick Miramontez / Amanda Meyer / Kianga Moore [email protected]  /  [email protected]  /  [email protected] 212 695 7400

Tour Press Contacts: Bond Theatrical Marc Viscardi /  Linda Stewart  / Janiya Wade

FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE , PLEASE

THE COMPLETE NATIONAL TOUR ROUTE FOR THE ALL-NEW “THE WIZ” IS ANNOUNCED

  LAUNCHING THIS FALL IN BALTIMORE AHEAD OF ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO BROADWAY  

VIDEO  HERE  OF CREATIVE TEAM

New York, NY  (May 8, 2023) – Producers  Kristin Caskey ,  Mike Isaacson ,  Brian Anthony Moreland , and  Ambassador Theatre Group  announced the complete coast-to-coast tour route for the all-new production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical  The Wiz , in advance of its highly anticipated Broadway return in the Spring of 2024.

As previously announced,  The Wiz  will launch the national tour this Fall in Baltimore, the home of the original 1974 world premiere of the musical.

Following its run at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, the tour will go on to have engagements 13 cities, giving more than 150 performances across the country.

Tickets are currently available exclusively as part of season subscription packages and group sales in each tour city. Additional information on tour cities, venues, performance schedules and single ticket on sale dates is available at WizBroadway.com.  Fans can now sign up for an email newsletter with up-to-date information as well as follow  The Wiz  on social media channels.

The complete tour schedule includes:

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”), Amber Ruffin (additional material), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements) and Allen Rene Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements) are conjuring up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop will bring a whole new groove to easing on down the road.

Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.

The Wiz  will also include scenic design by Academy Award winner  Hannah Beachler  ( Black Panther,  Beyonce’s  Black is King  and  Lemonade) , costume design by Emmy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee  Sharen Davis  ( Ray ,  Dreamgirls ), lighting design by Barrymore Award winner  Ryan J. O’Gara  ( Thoughts of a Colored Man ) and wig design by Academy Award winner  Mia Neal  ( Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom ).

The Wiz  premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an sensation, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design by the same person (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) and 1,672 performances. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor, Lena Horne and Michael Jackson, marking his first collaboration with Quincy Jones.

Casting, to be announced, is by  Tara Rubin Casting .  Download creative team headshots  here ,  and a video  here .

www.wizmusical.com www.facebook.com/thewizbway www.instagram.com/thewizbway www.twitter.com/thewizbway

www.omdkc.com www.facebook.com/omdkc www.instagram.com/omdkc www.twitter.com/omdkc

Everybody Rejoice! The Tony Award-winning musical THE WIZ is coming to D.C.!

Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, and Ambassador Theatre Group present an all-new production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz , adapted from The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The highly anticipated Broadway revival of The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years.

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Audiences get to enjoy the epic grooves of such beloved, timeless hits as “Ease on Down the Road,” which became the show’s break-out single, and the bona fide classic “Home” in this spectacular revival.

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director Schele Williams ( The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida ), choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”), Amber Ruffin (additional material), and Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements) conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before.

A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. So everybody rejoice! An all-new 21st-Century WIZ is sliding into an Emerald city near you.

ASL Interpretation & Audio Description available during the 2:00pm performance on Saturday, October 28. Learn more here .

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‘The Wiz’ to return to Broadway following new national tour

Following a brand new national tour "The Wiz" will return to Broadway in 2024 for a limited engagement.

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Following a brand new national tour “The Wiz” will return to Broadway in 2024 for a limited engagement.

The tour of this reimagined revival will launch from Baltimore, Maryland, in the fall of 2023 — the same city where the musical had its world premiere in 1974 — before landing on the Main Stem in the spring of 2024. The full touring schedule is yet to be announced. Dates and a theater for Broadway are to come, as well.

The production will be directed by Schele Williams in her Broadway directorial debut and will feature choreography by JaQuel Knight, also making his Broadway debut. Additional material is by Amber Ruffin and music supervision, orchestrations and music arrangements are by Joseph Joubert.

The full creative and design teams, as well as casting, will be announced at a later date. Casting is by Tara Rubin.

The musical features the original book by William F. Brown and original score by Charlie Smalls and others.

Adapted from the children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, “The Wiz” is an all-Black version of the classic story of Dorothy and her friends. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1975 and went on to win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

“I wouldn’t be on Broadway if it wasn’t for ‘The Wiz’ …the music, the costumes, the choreography and Stephanie Mills! Seeing that show changed my life,” Williams said in a statement. “It is, in every way, a celebration of Black excellence. I am honored to helm this production and I can’t think of a better time to tell this story.”

“It is a dream come true to be a part of what I consider the epitome of Black excellence,” Knight said in a statement. “There’s not one piece of art that has had influence on popular culture like ‘The Wiz.’ I’m humbled to not only have the opportunity to leave my own mark on a true work of art, but to continue the storytelling and legacy building on the beauty of Blackness through dance, movement and attitude.”

“The Wiz” is produced by Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland and Ambassador Theatre Group.

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THE WIZ Will Launch a Second Tour Leg in 2025

The second leg of THE WIZ North American Tour will play Music Hall at Fair Park September 9-21, 2025.  Further dates will be announced.

THE WIZ will ease on down the road once again, beginning in February 2025, with further tour dates to be announced. The current coast-to-coast pre-Broadway tour is now in San Francisco and has been a sold-out smash since its premiere in Baltimore in September 2023. Broadway previews will begin March 29, ahead of an April 17 opening night at the Marquis Theatre.

LATEST NEWS

Broadway Dallas has announced that the second leg of The Wiz North American Tour will play Music Hall at Fair Park September 9-21, 2025.  Additional cities and dates will be announced soon.

This season, The Wiz returned “home” to 13 cities across America on its all-new pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years and has played to more than 300,000 cheering fans from coast to coast. The pre-Broadway tour concludes with engagements at BroadwaySF’s Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco—which opened yesterday and runs through February 11— and at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles from February 13-March 3.

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.

The extraordinary pre-Broadway tour and upcoming Broadway cast features Nichelle Lewis as ‘Dorothy,’ Wayne Brady as ‘The Wiz,’ Deborah Cox as ‘Glinda’ and Melody A. Betts as ‘Aunt Em’ and ‘Evillene,’ Kyle Ramar Freeman as ‘Lion,’ Phillip Johnson Richardson as ‘Tinman,’ Avery Wilson as ‘Scarecrow.’ The Wiz ensemble includes Maya Bowles , Shayla Alayre Caldwell , Jay Copeland , Allyson Kaye Daniel , Judith Franklin , Michael Samarie George , Collin Heyward , Amber Jackson , Olivia Jackson , Christina Jones , Polanco Jones , Kolby Kindle , Mariah Lyttle , Kareem Marsh , Alan Mingo , Jr., Anthony Murphy , Cristina Rae , Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate , Keenan D. Washington , and Timothy Wilson .

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director  Schele Williams  (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), award-winning choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers ”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and Emmy Award®-winning music director and Grammy Award®-winning writer, Adam Blackstone (Dance Music Arranger), and Paul Byssainthe Jr. (Music Director), are conjuring up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before.  A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop will bring a whole new groove to easing on down the road. 

The Wiz design team includes scenic design by Academy Award-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’s Black is King and Lemonade), costume design by Emmy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated Sharen Davis (Ray, Dreamgirls), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning Ryan J. O’Gara (Thoughts of a Colored Man), sound design by Jon Weston (Parade), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Motown the Musical), wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical) and make-up design by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche (The Piano Lesson).

The production also includes ‘Everybody Rejoice’ music and lyrics by Luther Vandross , as well as the ‘Emerald City Ballet’ with music by Timothy Graphenreed .

Based on L. Frank Baum ’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies, and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.

THE WIZ premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical ( Ted Ross ), Best Featured Actress in a Musical ( Dee Dee Bridgewater ), Best Choreography ( George Faison ), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design ( Geoffrey Holder ). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross , Ted Ross , Mabel King , Richard Pryor and Lena Horne , and marked Quincy Jones ’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson .

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The Wiz Tickets

The Tony Award-winning musical eases on down the road to Broadway!

Wayne Brady will play his final performance on June 12, 2024.

The Wiz Show Times

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About The Wiz on Broadway

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Everybody look around, there’s reason to rejoice! The Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of O z, The Wiz returns home to the American stage with an all-new adaptation.

Know Before You Go

The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson.

"GRADE A: Run, don't ease, on down to this spectacular revival. This is the best iteration yet!" Entertainment Weekly Lester Fabian Brathwaite

"There's plenty of gold along this yellow brick road!" The New York Times Maya Phillips

Frequently Asked Questions

The Wiz is 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission

The Wiz is recommended for kids 8 and up. 

Cast & Creative

Multiple Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady has made his mark on stage and screen as an actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, and television personality. A true multi- hyphenate, Brady’s career path and personal life journey have helped him see the world in a unique way. His aspirations have always gone beyond solely starring in various entertainment projects, and under his Makin’ It Up Productions banner, he’s set out to create new content across different platforms that showcase innovation and inclusivity in fun and powerful ways.

A five-time Emmy winner (the first to win Daytime and Primetime awards in two consecutive years), Brady has an impressive TV resume including Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Masked Singer, Dancing With The Stars, Black Lighting, The Good Fight , and Showtime’s American Gigolo  – each spotlighting different aspects of his immense talent. In addition to being a force in front of the camera, Brady is heavily active behind the scenes wearing the hats of host & executive producer for Let’s Make A Deal, Game of Talents , and Comedy IQ , which he also co-created.

All of this follows on the heels of the success of his award-winning daytime talk show The Wayne Brady Show . Long an accomplished singer and performer, Brady’s musical acumen has always been a personal passion and he used that as fuel to help win the second season of The Masked Singer . Off his victory, Brady dropped a brand- new original single, entitled “Flirtin’ w/ Forever,” which quickly climbed the streaming charts, as well as an accompanying music video. This follows the success of his debut album which was headlined by a version of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" which earned him a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category. Brady has also triumphed on-stage starting with his Broadway debut starring as legal showman Billy Flynn in the long-running hit musical, Chicago . Soon after Brady starred as the ground-breaking character Lola in Kinky Boots , Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Brady would later assume his biggest theatrical role to date headlining as Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning juggernaut Hamilton . Recently Brady returned to Broadway as part of Freestyle Love Supreme working with the production team of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Anthony Veneziale. The unique show combines the fusion of hip-hop, improv, and comedy which won it a special Tony Award for its innovation and contributions to the world of theater.

Earlier this year, Brady announced he will again partner with the Freestyle Love Supreme team as well as Speechless to create “FLS+,” a new company committed to making improv globally accessible. Brady’s career evolution has also expanded to TikTok, amassing a stellar following in a short period of time. Whether utilizing social media to raise awareness of important social issues or collaborating with his extended family, the medium has helped him continue to reach and interact with new fans in surprising and innovative ways.

Deborah Cox is an award-winning recording artist, Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, and international talent spanning the worlds of music, Broadway, television, film, and fashion. An established songstress, Cox has scaled the R&B and Pop charts with six top 20 Billboard R&B singles and an impressive thirteen No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play Chart. Her sophomore album spawned 2 No. 1 R&B songs including the record-breaking “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” that spent 14 weeks at the top (the longest in history at the time) and “We Can’t Be Friends.” In addition to her illustrious musical catalog, the Canadian-born star has been recognized for her undying commitment to various social justice initiatives. In 2020, Deborah was honored with Black Music Honors’ Entertainer Icon Award in recognition of her twenty-five groundbreaking years in the music industry. A seasoned entertainer, both on-screen and off, Deborah is currently winning rave reviews for her roles on BET’s  First Wives Club  and Emmy-nominated HBO MAX series,  Station Eleven . In May 2022, Deborah reached a pinnacle career milestone when she made history as the first Black woman inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In the same year, Deborah was given the Key to the City and had September 23 rd  declared as Deborah Cox Day. She also received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, rounding off an incredible year. As Deborah continues to perform on stages and screens internationally, she’s also working on her seventh career studio album and just launched her new wine, Kazaisu.

Melody A. Betts is a Chicago-based actress, singer/songwriter, writer and director. Last seen as Chantel in the sold out World Premiere of  The Factotum  at the Lyric Opera of Chicago where she also played Grandma Tzeital/Fruma Sarah in the most recent production of  Fiddler on The Roof . Melody grew up singing in the church but spent years in classical voice training. She has refined a voice that possesses versatility and conviction which has the power to stir the soul. You can hear her mellifluous vocals on projects of worldwide favorites such as “Arrested Development,” Joshua Generation, “The Conan O' Brien Show,” “I Can See Your Voice” and the Broadway Inspirational Voices. Chicago credits include  Fannie, The Nativity  (Goodman Theatre);  Ragtime, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Boys from Syracuse, Seussical the Musical, ELF  (Drury Lane Oakbrook);  Once on this Island, Nunsense, All Shook Up, The Drowsy Chaperone  (Marriott Lincolnshire);  Comedy of Errors, Pinocchio  (Chicago Shakes);  Motherhood the Musical ( Royal George);  The Secret of My Success, Rock of Ages  (Paramount Theater). Broadway/Off Broadway :  Waitress the Musical  (Brooks Atkinson);  Invisible Thread  (Second Stage). National Tours :  The Sound of Music; Waitress.  Regional Theater :  The Color Purple, A Christmas Carol, Nunsense  (Milwaukee Rep);  Smokey Joe’s Café, Hairspray  (New Theater);  Witness Uganda, Extraordinary  (A.R.T.). TV :  Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE , Chicago PD, Chicago Fire   (NBC), I Can See Your Voice, Chicago Code (FOX);   Power   (STARZ), Southside (HBOMax) .  IG :  @melodybettspage Unions:   AEA, SAG-AFTRA, BMI. 

Nichelle is a 24 year old native of Virginia, and thrilled to portray Dorothy in the revival of  The Wiz , marking her Broadway debut. The New York based singer-songwriter has performed in the national tour of  Hairspray  (Dynamite/Cindy Watkins);  Little Shop of Horrors  (Chiffon/Crystal);  Bare: A Pop Opera  (Ivy); and most recently  Labelless , a new musical. 

Kyle Ramar Freeman is a Miami native who has been singing and acting from an early age. Now based in Harlem, Kyle made his New York debut in the Original Broadway Cast of  A Strange Loop,  a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Best Musical. Kyle is currently leading the cast of  A Strange Loop  in London. Other credits include: 1st national tour of  Once On This Island ( Asaka),  Joseph and Dreamcoat ( Calypso). Kyle is a graduate of AMDA.

Phillip Johnson Richardson is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Phillip can be seen in the A24 feature film  Sharper  starring Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan and John Lithgow streaming now on Apple+. He was a series regular in the Apple+ series Little Voices . His first job out of school was with the Chicago Company of  Hamilton . His television appearances were guest appearances on The Last O.G, Chicago PD, Provent Innocent and The Other Two . Phillip has released several of his own singles on Apple Music and all streaming platforms under the moniker of “Phil.”

The New Haven, Connecticut native spent his entire life working towards this moment.   Encouraged by his family, he went from singing at McDonalds every Wednesday to dropping a   series of independent releases, culminating with “On Top of the World” in 2012. A year later, music legend Clive Davis personally signed him. Throughout 2015, he made headlines,   performing at the BET Awards, and dropping “Change My Mind” [feat. Migos]. The latter   impressively racked up 7.7 million Spotify streams and cemented a fervent fan base around   him. Going independent, he maintained his momentum on 2018’s FYI EP before dropping the   8:34 EP in 2019. The latter received acclaim from Rap-Up, Soul Bounce, and more right out of   the gate. Along the way, he continued to cross paths with Super Producers, and Songwriters   Grammy Award-winning Claude Kelly, Damon Thomas, James Fauntleroy to work on his   upcoming music he will be releasing in 2023.  

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By Greg Evans

NY & Broadway Editor

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Five-time Emmy winner and Grammy Award nominee Wayne Brady will play the title character in The Wiz revival when it lands on Broadway in spring 2024, producers announced today, with Doom Patrol’ s Alan Mingo Jr. ( Kinky Boots ) taking the role during many of the production’s pre-Broadway tour dates.

The casting comes after the recent news that Kyle Ramar Freeman cast been cast as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow. Additional casting, including for the character of Dorothy, will be announced in the coming weeks

The Wiz will launch its national tour this fall in Baltimore, MD, home of the 1974 world premiere of the original musical.

Today’s casting was announced by producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland and Ambassador Theatre Group. Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker also recently joined the producing team.

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