“The Wiz”

**** Those of you who heard Frank talk about “The Wiz” last week, and read Amy’s review from Milwaukee, know that the show was exciting and had some new looks. They have “eased on down the road” and are presently in Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre as part of Broadway In Chicago’s season.

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. That original production ran for four years. Over the years, and due to technology, the look of the show has become even better than the original. This is a touring show, spending a week or so in any city, and yet, the set appears to be one that would take time to build. Thanks to modern technology. They can leave one city, travel to the next and be ready to go in less than 48 hours.

While “The Wizard of Oz” shines mor eon Dorothy that the other characters, “The Wiz” is truly a combination story about young Dorothy ( a wonderful performance by Phoenix Assata LaFreniere). She truly shares the stage with her OZ friends, The Scarecrow (Elijah Ahmed Lewis is terrific), the Tin Man ( deftly handled by D. Jerome) and the Lion ( Cal Mitchell is adorable). The road to The Emerald City to meet The Wiz ( Alan Mingo Junior is a stitch) is a trip for the audience as they encounter all sorts of possible reasons not to get the things they need : a brain, a heart, courage and of course, a trip back to Kansas!

We cannot omit the quality performance of Sheherazade as Glinda and Kyla Jade as Aunt Em and Evillene.. The audience rose to its feet when these ladies did their songs; Evillene “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” and Glinda’s “Believe in Yourself”. Of course, when Dorothy does “Home” the final song, the full house rose to their feet to let this wonderful cast of player know that the experience was special. Over 50 years since its inception, “The Wiz” is bringing joy to theater audiences, and you can see it now!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 1 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 2 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 3 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 5 – 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for THE WIZ are on sale now and range from $43.00 – $151.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Ticket price listed is when purchased in person at the box office. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Patrons can also participate in a digital lottery for a chance to purchase $30.00 tickets for each performance, which is inclusive of all mandatory taxes, restoration, handling, and third-party fees. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of day-of-show, in person Rush tickets will be available for $49.00 for all performances. Click here for more info on Digital Lottery and In Person Rush. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com

The Nederlander Theatre is located at 24 West Randolph Street ( between State and Dearborn)

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Wiz”.