Cast of ‘The Wiz’ revival.Photo:Jeremy Daniel
Jeremy Daniel
The Wizis returning to Broadway!
On Monday, Ambassador Theatre Group and producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson and Brian Anthony Moreland announced that the revival of the hit 1975 musical will open on Broadway Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The production is slated to run as a limited engagement at New York City’s Marquis Theatre, with preview performances scheduled to begin March 29.
Wayne Bradytakes on the title role in the revival, which began a national tour preceding its upcoming Broadway engagement that began in Baltimore on Sunday — premiering in the same city that the original production ofThe Wizalso made its world premiere.
Director Schele Williams and choreographer JaQuel Knight will make their Broadway directorial and choreography debuts, respectively, when the production makes its way to New York City in the spring.
Stephanie Mills as Dorothy sings in the Broadway play “The Wiz (Musical)” circa 1975.Hulton Archive/Getty
“I wouldn’t be on Broadway if it wasn’t forThe Wiz… the music, the costumes, the choreography and Stephanie Mills!” Williams said in a statement whenThe Wiz’s revival was first announced. “Seeing that show changed my life.”
“It is, in every way, a celebration of Black excellence,” she added at the time. “I am honored to helm this production and I can’t think of a better time to tell this story.”
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In addition to Brady, 51, in the production’s title role, the new production also stars Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda and Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene. Kyle Ramar Freeman plays the Lion inThe Wiz, while Phillip Johnson Richardson portrays the Tinman, and Avery Wilson plays the Scarecrow.
The Wizmade its principal casting announcements in June, with Brady writing onInstagramat the time that watching director Williams and writer Amber Ruffin “steer this beautiful classic [as its director and writer] is a dream!”
Stephanie Mills as Dorothy meets Hinton Battle as the Scarecrow in the Broadway play “The Wiz (Musical)” circa 1975.Hulton Archive/Getty
“All this melanin in one spot?!? Get ready Broadway!” Brady, who has appeared on Broadway inChicagoandHair, added on Instagram in June.
Fans interested in purchasing tickets forThe Wiz’s limited engagement on Broadway — or those looking for more information on its pre-Broadway national tour — can sign up for first access at the musical’sofficial website. Tickets will go on sale for fans Friday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m., before they are available for groups and and the general public.
The Wiz’s preview performances at the Marquis Theatre begin on Friday, March 29, 2024, and the musical opens Wednesday, April 17.
source: people.com
