The Wiz on Broadway

I was talking with a friend about plans for the summer. She mentioned that The Wiz was playing on Broadway in Manhattan, so I knew we had to get to New York. I prefer going on vacations before it is unbearably hot. I’ve been to New York before in the heat of summer, and it gets HOT. So, we immediately made reservations, purchased our tickets, and we were off to Manhattan for a few days. Was the trip to Broadway worth it? Let me assure you — THE WIZ DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

I wish I could have shared more pictures of the show, but you are not allowed to take pictures or film during the show. We only took pictures at the end when the actors and actresses took their final bow. We went to the 7:00 p.m. show, which was only about a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel. I was really looking forward to the singing and nostalgia the show brings. I watched The Wiz on television, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, when I was a child. To see the show on Broadway was not only an experience for my children, but also for me.

My first Broadway show was A Raisin in the Sun starring Phylicia Rashad back in 2004. It was an amazing experience. I sat on the front row wide-eyed and soaking in every word. My kids did the same. They sat quietly throughout the show and were impressed by every vocal and dance by the actors and dancers on stage. I cannot recommend this show enough. Nichelle Lewis was phenomenal and so were the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man. They sang their hearts out. I have never heard such beautiful singing during a show. The music was also beautifully done. If you look at the picture above with Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Lion, you will notice a man facing the audience below the stage. That is the conductor. He did a wonderful job. Everything was well done!

Glinda was played by Deborah Cox, Melody A. Betts was Aunt Em/Evillene, Avery Wilson was the Scarecrow, Kyle Ramar Freeman was the Lion, and Tinman was played by Phillip Johnson Richardson. View The Wiz Playbill here. Phillip had such a smooth, soothing voice. Words cannot express the beautiful sounds that shook the stage that night. Wayne Brady plays the Wiz, but he had a substitution the night we were there and did not perform. HIs substitution, Alan Mingo, Jr., was beyond amazing! He was hilarious, a strong vocalist, and full of emotion. This was a job well done by all! I wouldn’t mind seeing this show again and again and again.