The Wiz Revival: A Pleasurable Yet Flawed Journey on Broadway
An All-Black Ensemble Returns in “The Wiz” Revival
Promoted as “The Wiz” through the “Blackest of Black Lenses” in a highly anticipated new production, the Broadway revival of this iconic musical seeks to rekindle the vibrancy and magic of the original. Packed with soulful performances and memorable songs, the revival is certainly a pleasurable experience. Nonetheless, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and artistically compelling vision.
A Look Back at the Boundaries Broken
When “The Wiz” first hit Broadway in 1975, it revolutionized musical theatre. Winning the coveted Tony Award for Best Musical and featuring an all-Black ensemble, it carved a new path for diversity and representation on the stage. Songs like “Home” and “Ease on Down the Road” established a place for themselves in the heart of the American songbook, reflecting the richness and vibrancy of Black talent.
Casting and Performances Hit the Right Notes
In this revival, the talented cast takes on the iconic roles with grace and style. Nichelle Lewis embodies a delicate Dorothy, delivering a beautiful rendition of the moving ballad “Home.” Melody A. Betts shines in her dual roles as Aunt Em and the wicked witch Evillene, infusing both humor and vocal prowess into the gospel-inspired “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” Wayne Brady brings an energetic and hilarious persona to the larger-than-life character of the Wiz, providing a standout performance. Kyle Ramar Freeman delivers laughs as Lion, elevating the overall humor of the production.
Unfulfilled Vision: The Limits of Direction and Design
While the revival offers a strong cast, the choices made by director Schele Williams and scenic designer Hannah Beachler leave something to be desired. The production lacks a synergy, resulting in a disjointed visual experience. With an overwhelming sound of the music, the vocals of the performers are often drowned out, diminishing the power of their individual performances. The scenic design, despite borrowing from an array of Black-inspired imagery, fails to meld create a sustained and captivating visual concept. Moreover, the absence of prominent elements, such as the sparkling yellow brick road, further detracts from the overall impact.
Ambition and Cohesion Take a Backseat
While the show itself is enjoyable, its commitment to maintaining a jovial atmosphere hinders its ability to tackle substantial narratives. Updates to the original book by William F. Brown, executed by comedian Amber Ruffin, result in sporadic humor, though occasionally, the jokes fall short. However, as the production prioritizes entertainment, several important dramaturgical questions surrounding the character of Dorothy remain unaddressed. This imbalance sidelines Dorothy within her own story, leaving the audience longing for a more comprehensive character development.
Flashes of Brilliance Amidst Frustration
Glimmers of brilliance, such as the powerful harmonies and skilled ensemble choreography by JaQuel Knight, offer pockets of satisfaction throughout the show. Moments like these inject the necessary excitement, ensuring the audience is thoroughly amused. However, the lack of a cohesive artistic vision, combined with questionable directing choices, prevents the revival of “The Wiz” from reaching its full potential.
The Wiz, an ongoing musical at the Marquis Theatre, presents a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. For more information, visit wizmusical.com.
