****  In 1974 ( almost 50 years ago),a “soul” version of “The Wizard of Oz” was created by Charlie Smalls (music and some lyrics) and a book by William F. Brown. The show was named “The Wiz” and it is the retelling of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” as a more contemporary story with an African-American culture. Of note is that the play was “tested in Baltimore” and then moved on to Broadway where it won 7 Tony Awards. It may have been the start of the theater world’s acceptance of works with an all-Black cast. Again, this was almost 50 years ago.

Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, and Ambassador Theatre Group present an all-new production of THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. The tour begins in THE WIZ’s original home city of Baltimore, where the show made its world premiere 50 years ago. and at this time is in Chicago at The Cadillac Palace Theatre as part of the Broadway In Chicago season. It will be at this theater until December 10th and then will move on.

The story is a little different than “The Wizard of Oz” There is still an Aunt Em (Melody A. Betts. who shows her chops when she sings “The Feeling We Once Had” with Dorothy (Nichelle Lewis is terrific). There is no Toto and of course the hired hands on the Kansas farm are not a part of this version. When the tornado hits ( this is a well choreographed number where dancers make up the tornado) Dorothy does end up in a far away place ( Oz) and it turns out has killed the witch, Evamean.

In order to get back home she will have to visit with the Wizard of Oz (Alan Mingo Jr, is a delight to watch).

The three characters that Dorothy meets along the way are incredible: the Scarecrow (deftly handled by Avery Wilson), the Tin man (Phillip Johnson Richardson is charming) and The Lion ( an amazing performance by  Kyle Ramar Freeman). These three characters are very important to the story and these three actors are perfect for the return to Broadway.

While the basic story is the same, it is the presentation that makes a difference. The scarecrows do more in the scene with The Scarecrow, the journey to Oz has other pitfalls as our heroes have to stave off an attack by Kalidahs (witch -like characters). Glinda (Deborah Cox) is still around and the other witch, Evillene ( an incredible performance, taking on a second role by  Betts) is in the picture.

Directed by Schele Williams with slick choreography by Jaquel Knight, this is 2 hours and 30 minutes ( with one intermission) of pure entertainment. The songs are different and the story-line has been altered, but the story is still about believing in one’s self and trusting others. One of the musical numbers in this show is by Luther Vandross (“Everybody Rejoice” )and it will give you a much needed lift in the second act. As Glinda sings “Believe in Yourself”, which to me is the actual theme of both the original and “The Wiz”.

NOTE: The opening night crowd was pretty vocal and at one point Ms Lewis caught herself starting to break-up. Over my 25 plus years of reviewing I have noticed that an audience loves when this rarity occurs. In some ways, watching her come out of it was a treat for a theater audience to experience.

If you love  “The Wizard of Oz”, you will find yourself truly seeing “The Wiz” as an equal ( or even better). While there is no “Somewhere Over The rainbow”, there is a road to “Ease On Down” and a very happy ending!

“The Wiz” will continue at The Cadillac Palace Theatre , located at 151 West Randolph thru Dec 10, 2023 with performances as follows: