Scarecrow (Avery Wilson) wants a brain. Lion (Kyle Ramar Freeman) wants courage. Tinman (Philip Johnson Richardson) wants a heart—and the audience wants a better show. Unfortunately, they won’t get one in the poor bus and truck Broadway revival of The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The Tony award winning show that racked up 7 wins in 1975 has returned to the Marquis Theatre for a Manhattan sit down through August 18th. It’s been touring the country since September 2023 but as far as discerning New Yorkers are concerned, it can continue to “ease on down the road.” I never thought I’d sit in a theater that recently housed the Britany Spears‘ musical (Once Upon a One More Time) and think, “Gee, I wish that show was still running!”
Charlie Smalls’ infectious score is still intact and features beloved hits like “Home”, “Everybody Rejoice” and “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” But the painful, bad news is that this revival is absolutely awful. While the great music endures, audiences will have to decipher what any of them are singing about given the performers’ lack of projection, diction, and poor sound design. One exception: Melody A. Betts brings grounded durability to Aunt Em and her ballad, “The Feeling We Once Had”, shared with Dorothy, (Nichelle Lewis) is full of warmth and beauty. But this happens in the first 10 minutes. After that, it devolves into a tornado of overblown projections (concealing the fact that there wasn’t a larger budget for sets). cheap looking costumes, and acting so hammy it should come with pineapple and sugar glaze.
Director Schele Williams, along with producers batting cash register eyes have given us a show that lacks virtually all heart and is instead, a quick money grab and a hope at Tony nominations. Like the Wizard himself, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Perhaps theater goers who are not as critical will buy into this yellow brick garbage, but seasoned New Yorkers know better. In 1977, a film version starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson hit theaters. Much like this production nearly 50 years later, it was a critical flop. Believe in yourself—and your hard-earned paycheck—and spend your money on a different show.
The Wiz is running at the Marriot Marquis Theater 210 W. 46th Street through Aug. 18th. For tickets and info., click here.