The Wiz

Event Description

Everybody look around! The Tony Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back and coming to Happy Valley. THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway.

The Baltimore Sun raves, “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets.” The Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!”

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.

The production features a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others)! The musical revival is directed by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida). It features choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), and additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night With Seth Meyers).

The production also includes “Everybody Rejoice” music and lyrics by Luther Vandross, as well as the “Emerald City Ballet” with music by Timothy Graphenreed.

Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, THE WIZ takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.

THE WIZ premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder).

Artist Website

• The Wiz Tour