The new revival of the 1975 Tony-winning best musical
The Wiz is on tour and has landed in Minneapolis for one short week, and it's fabulous! This retelling of
The Wizard of Oz through the lens of Black culture and Black experience features a wildly impressive cast with one power voice after another, an infectious upbeat score, a technicolor explosion of a production design, and an inspiring message about traversing a difficult world with friends by your side that help you find your own power, self-worth, identity, and home. A "Super Soul Musical" indeed! But don't take my word for it,
Stephen Sondheim purportedly said, "it's the one show which makes you feel better when you come out of it than you did when you walked in," and that's absolutely true. I wanted to sing and dance down Hennepin Avenue like it was the yellow brick road. To witness all of that Black joy, and have it rain down on you and infuse your soul, is truly a balm in this dark world.
The Wiz continues through December 21 only, and
tickets should be purchased only from the official site here.
Highlights of this production of The Wiz include but are not limited to:
- Though it was written in 1975, there is "additional material" added to this version, written by none other than the hilarious Amber Ruffin. There are a few newer pop culture references, making it feel more modern and not dated, but aren't out of place within the context of the story that mostly takes place in a fantasy world.
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| photo by Jeremy Daniel |
We are on Dorothy's journey, and our Dorothy is one we're happy to follow down the yellow brick road. Dana Cimone has an endearing childlike quality to her voice and presence, but also possesses a maturity in her incredible vocals that range from a soft whisper to a big old belt. Her Dorothy is sweet and funny and awkward, and we really feel the emotional journey of the character.- Dorothy's three companions are all so perfect in their very specific roles - Elijah Ahmad Lewis as the loose-limbed Scarecrow, D. Jerome as the robotic Tinman, and Cal Mitchell as the primping Lion.
- This version of the story has four sister witches, two of whom are evil (one dead by house) and two of whom are good. Kyla Jade is the deliciously evil wicked witch Evillene (doubling as Auntie Em in the first scene), Sheherazade and Amitria Fanae are delightful as the good witches.
- Alan Mingo Jr. steals every scene he's in as the title character, with the most entertainingly expressive face.
- The huge and hugely talented ensemble plays multiple characters, human and otherwise. They embody the tornado, crows, poppies, citizens of Oz, the wicked witch's servants, and the yellow brick road itself. This is a full rich world, with something and someone to watch in every corner of the stage, thanks to this ensemble.
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| photo by Jeremy Daniel |
With direction by Schele Williams (who also co-directed The Notebook, recently seen at the Ordway) and choreography by Jaquel Knight, the show is full of energy and momentum, with never a dull moment. And the dancing is everything. So many different styles, so entertaining, so tight and yet loose at the same time. Just jaw-dropping.- The score is so infectious, and even though I only knew a few of the songs, I was entertained by all of them. From upbeat songs to poignant ballads, with the frequently reprised "Ease on Down the Road" the most familiar and the most surprising. The final reprise slows it down, sung in harmony by the four friends as they say goodbye, which is so moving. An 11-piece pit orchestra (over half of them local musicians) accompany the cast, conducted by Victor Simonson.
- The set design (by Hannah Beachler) uses projections to depict all of the different locations, and they're so bright and colorful, almost fluorescent. They give the show a cinematic quality, and blend well with the practical set pieces - Dorothy's house, large trees in the forest, and the circular stairway of the witch's castle.
- Last but definitely not least, the costumes (designed by Sharen Davis) are worth the price of admission alone. There are so many different costumes; the ensemble members must have a dozen costume changes. The eye-poppingly green of the Ozians, the poppies' 70s-tastic jumpsuits and Afros strewn with flowers, the tie-dyed pajamas for the hippie anthem "Brand New Day" just to name a few. And of course Dorothy in a twist on the iconic gingham dress that goes from black and white to technicolor blue, with her fantastical friends looking just how you want them to, but more.
