Celebrated update to Dorothy's timeless journey (Broadway Across America)

The Wiz 

Book by William F. Brown 

Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls 

Additional Material for this Production by Amber Ruffin 

Review by Regina Harris 

Entire contents are copyright @2025 by Regina Harris. All rights reserved. 

Tuesday night's opening production of The Wiz at Kentucky Performing Arts, which made its premier in 1975, brought fresh energy and vibrant creativity to a beloved classic. While Dorothy's journey remains timeless, this version of The Wiz stood out with its bold choreography, striking visuals, and dynamic costuming all updated in a way that honored and celebrated the culture at its heart. 

While many cast members made their professional Broadway debuts with this production, their talent was undeniable. Strong soulful vocals, and precise, high energy dance moves brought the story to life with confidence and charisma. Dana Cimone as Dorothy was a true stand out delivering vocals and emotional depth that grounded the entire show, while Addaperle (Amitria Fanae') the wicked of the west's sweeter sister and Alan Mingo Jr. as the Wiz himself brought powerful stage presence and panache. Meanwhile the Scarecrow (Elija Ahmad Lewis), Tinman (D. Jerome), and Lion (Cal Mitchell) infused their roles with humor, charm and cleverly updated lingo that gave the production a fresh relatable voice 

The choreography clearly had its roots in traditional African culture, but was brilliantly updated with modern influences, giving the movement both historical depth and contemporary flare. Less acknowledged, but equally as important roles, such as the Poppies and the crows in the cornfield were performed with such personality and intention that every moment became a visual and musical delight. 

The creative team leaned Into symbolic staging rather than literal sets using inventive costuming to represent the yellow brick road and the even whirling tornadoes in place of the iconic set of the original story. This imaginative staging kept the audience focused on the story's emotional and cultural heartbeat. The land of Oz in which Dorothy lands was imagined as the French Quarter in New Orleans, with its inhabitants engaged in a second line. The costumes were a glorious visual feast, harking back to the '70 original production era-think flared pants, miniskirts, Gogo boots and lots of fringe that moved fluidly with the dancers-but in vivid neon; and Glinda - resplendent in so much gold, sparkle, and ruffle, she made every other Glinda I've ever seen look practically underdressed. I gasped when she stepped onto the stage. 

This production was a joyful, high-quality tribute to The Wiz - modernized, but never losing it soul. From the opening number to the finale, the show radiated with style and spirit, making it both contemporary and deeply rooted in its original message of self-discovery, resilience, and community. Not to be missed. 

The Wiz  PNC Broadway in Louisville 

July 29, 30, 31, August 1 @ 7:00 pm 

August 2 @ 2:00 pm 

August 2 @ 7:30 pm 

August 3 at 1:00 pm 

August 3 @ 6:30 pm 

Kentucky Performing Arts 

502 W. Main St. 

Louisville, KY 40202 

(502) 584-7777 

www.kentuckyperformingarts.org