Kyla Jade as Evilene. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
At least one thing is clear about the convincing and invigorating current equity touring production of the 1975 award-winning musical "The Wiz" – this is a rendition for the 21st century, and well beyond.
Undoubtedly, it’s a high-tech, sophisticated staging with plenty of eye candy and sincerity. Indeed, this production, under Schele Williams’ mostly solid direction, carries an Afrofuturistic flavor and an optimistic vibe that clearly celebrates Blackness. Yet there are shortcomings. Too often it is hard to make out Charlie Smalls’ lyrics during the roughly two-hour-and-25-minute show, which includes an intermission. It would also be nice to see Dorothy happily reunited with Aunt Em (a motherly Kyla Jade) when she finally returns to Kansas. And where was Uncle Henry? Additionally, unless you carefully read the cast lineup, it’s never crystal clear that performers portray the Yellow Brick Road.
The sound, emanating from the stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, where the equity touring production remains through Sunday, is so strong that too many individual lyrics sometimes get lost. Fortunately, at least a few key lyrics come through clearly. They are from the refreshing and stirring number “Everybody Rejoice,” sung vibrantly toward the end of the show. Specifically, when the performers sing, “Can you feel a brand-new day?” we want to respond with a resounding “Yes!” Wisely, the cast performs an encore of “Everybody Rejoice” following bows.
Before that new day comes, we savor what stands out from this touring production of the reimagined Broadway revival that played a limited engagement on the Great White Way in 2024. "The Wiz," a musical retelling of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" with an all-Black cast, premiered on Broadway in 1975.
There are updates in this revival. For instance, 1970s street slang such as "Man, I have seen me some spaced-out garbage cans in my day," is gone."I wanted to write (a version) that kids can do 20 years from now, that you wouldn't read it and go, this is from (the 2020s)," adapter Amber Ruffin says in a feature story published in the program.
Kyla Jade as Aunt Em and Dana Cimone as Dorothy. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
Another change is that Dorothy is "roughly the same age" as the other seekers. "For her to be a young Black girl leading these people --that's fantastic," Ruffin said. "We wanted her to be the natural leader that she is."
As Dorothy, Dana Cimone projects ingratiating optimism, plenty of energy—including a strong, clear, controlled, and expressive belt—and a calm, steady presence that makes her an ideal leader for her friends. Cimone’s Dorothy is a strong Black female character for whom it is easy to root. If there is a weakness, it’s that we never quite sense Dorothy is unsettled after the tornado whisks her away. She seems too content, too quickly. After all, Cimone’s Dorothy looks and sounds “at home” after her aunt reassures her during the opening scene, which includes a touching duet titled “The Feeling We Once Had” between Dorothy and Em.
Wiz- Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz. (Photos by Jeremy Daniel)
As Tinman, D. Jerome seems looser after singing “Slide Some Oil to Me,” and his new friends comply. Those friends include Cowardly Lion, whom Cal Mitchell plays as more skittish than ferocious. Mitchell’s Lion habitually plays with his tail, suggesting nervousness. Meanwhile, Elijah Ahmad Lewis imbues Scarecrow with a carefree, somewhat simple nature before he sounds more sophisticated after the titular character (a charismatic Alan Mingo Jr.) “gives” him a brain.
Generally, the performers portraying Dorothy’s new chums are stronger collectively than as distinct individual characters. It would also have made sense for them to shed authentic tears before Dorothy must bid them goodbye; the farewell feels abrupt.
Among the witches, Sheherazade injects Glinda with warmth, calling to mind a reassuring fairy godmother, while Amitria Fanae endows Addaperle with endearing goodness. Contrastingly, Jade conveys mild evilness as Evillene but never really makes this villainess intimidating.
Elijah Ahmad Lewis as The Scarecrow and Dana Cimone as Dorothy now at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami as part of the Broadway in Miami series. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
While Mingo lends the titular Wiz liveliness, he lacks gravitas, and there is little mystery about him. But toward the end, he injects The Wiz with ordinariness that makes sense after we learn the truth. Fittingly, this useless Wiz rides offstage in a trash bin—an afterthought once he cannot get Dorothy back home. The exterior reads “Emerald City Storage,” a smart behind-the-scenes touch that contributes to a generally solid production.
Other strong choices include lighting by Ryan J. O’Gara, which bathes the stage with color and energy. The lighting equipment moves at times, illuminating performers and enhancing mood. The video and projection design by Daniel Brodie is varied; at times it is difficult to tell where video ends and scenic design begins. Both blend seamlessly. Brodie designed the projections, while Hannah Beachler created the sets, sometimes picturesque, other times realistic. The costume design, by Sharen Davis, is varied and colorful and blends in well with the other technical elements.
D. Jerome as The Tinman. (Photos by Jeremy Daniel)
Jon Weston’s sound design may partly account for unclear lyrics, but the live band might be too loud. Led by conductor/keyboardist Victor Simonson, they accompany the actors as they perform Smalls’ stirring music. It is not quite as memorable as the songs from The Wizard of Oz, the source material. The songs in "The Wiz" represent soul, gospel, R&B, rock, jazz, and ’70s funk. In addition to singing, the cast skillfully dances choreographer Jaquel Knight's character-defining moves with flair.
Although "The Wiz" features an all-Black cast, much of the story is universal. We seek adventure, our rightful place in the world, belief in ourselves, and triumph over evil.
While the touring production dazzles with its high-tech look, and camaraderie is evident among the travelers, audience members deserve to hear and understand every word. Yet by the time the cast reaches the lyrics, “Can you feel a brand-new day,” the show has imbued us with a renewed sense of hope and energy. We leave reminded that our own journey toward improving society may begin with something small—a single step, perhaps, that can spark meaningful change.
IF YOU GO
- WHAT: Equity touring production of the award-winning musical classic, "The Wiz."
- WHEN: Through Sunday, Oct. 12.
- WHERE: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.
- TICKETS: Visit www.arshtcenter.org. For more information about future touring stops, visit wizmusical.com.
