The Wiz

The Wiz on Broadway Background

Fifty Years after the original 1974 show on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, and following a brand new national tour, The Wiz will return to Broadway in 2024 for a limited engagement.

The Wiz is a Broadway musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children's book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but this time with an all-black cast and added emphasis on the African-American community.

Show Seen as Metaphor For Black Society

The show is seen by many as a metaphor for black society and its struggle for recognition in the white man’s modern world. The show debuted at Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland, and transferred as planned to Broadway’s Majestic Theatre after four months of travelling on the black brick road.

Stepping Stone For Black Actors

The show acted as a stepping stone to later success for much of the cast, including Andre De Shields of Hadestown fame, and Stephanie Mills, who had five number one R&B hits throughout the 1980’s.

1974 Show Was Big Tony Award Winner

The original Broadway show received eight Tony nominations, of which it won seven that included “Best Musical” “Best Original Score” and “Best Direction of a Musical”.

Some Broadway Actors Reprised Roles In the 1978 Movie

In 1978, The Wiz received a big-budget film adaption produced by Universal Pictures and Motown Productions.

Several of the Broadway actors reprised their roles for the film alongside music icons like Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, who both took on starring roles. Upon its theatrical release, the film was both a critical and commercial box office failure, but has since become a cult classic amongst black audiences and Oz fanatics.

‘The Wiz’ Returns to Broadway in 2024 Following New National Tour in 2023

The US tour of this reimagined revival launches in Baltimore, Maryland, in the fall of 2023. This is the same city where the original musical had its world premiere in 1974. before landing on Broadway in 2024.

Show Announces New Closing Date - Has Not Even Opened Yet

Future ticket sales must be in the toilet for this show to announce its going to be closing a month earlier than scheduled. The show was scheduled to close 9/24/24, but will now close 8/18/24. This announcement came on 03/18/24, two weeks before the show even opened in previews.

What's The Wiz Like?

Dorothy Gale is a thirteen year old girl that lives with her family on a farm in Kansas.

When a tornado approaches the farm, Dorothy hides in the farmhouse, which is lifted into the air and swept away moments later. When the house finally lands, Dorothy finds herself in the Land of Oz, a magical world full of strange creatures, like Munchkins and witches.

Dorothy is instructed by the Good Witch of the North to follow the Black Brick Road and find The Wizard if she ever wants to return home. During her travels, Dorothy recruits a rag tag group of unfulfilled adventurers comprised of a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion.

Is The Wiz Good for Kids?

This show is based on a story that has entertained children for over a century, making it suitable for children of all ages.