Broadway Bound ‘The Wiz’ Opens in Hollywood | Photos-Look! | EURweb

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Deborah Cox, Wayne Brady, Phillip Johnson Richardson, Nichelle Lewis, Avery Wilson, Kyle Ramar Freeman, Melody Betts, Photo: Mark Von Holden for Shutterstock Source: Broadway In Hollywood

*The revival of The Wiz is now open in Hollywood at The Pantages with starlet Nichelle Lewis as darling Dorothy.

Nichelle oozes all of the charm and vocal excellence of any of her predecessors.  The original production debuted in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards, among them Best Musical.

The latest version of The Wiz is equally thrilling for those who remember the first production and awe-inspiring for those on their maiden voyage with this spectacular stage event.

The tradition of infusing a classic story with a modern twist continues.

The late Charlie Smalls created a timeless and infectious score from the Wizard of Oz book by William F. Brown.

THE-WIZ.-Nichelle-Lewis-as-Dorothy-Melody-Betts-as-Aunt-Em-in-The-Feeling-We-Once-Had.-Photo-by-Jeremy-Daniel-c-2023
THE-WIZ.-Nichelle-Lewis-as-Dorothy-Melody-Betts-as-Aunt-Em-in-The-Feeling-We-Once-Had. Photo-by-Jeremy-Daniel-c-2023

The late triple threat dancer/actor/director Geoffrey Holder joined the creative team and voilà, a soulful spin was cast on Dorothy’s journey from Kansas to Oz and back home again.  The rest is a colorful chapter of Broadway history.  The current cast is filled with stars who delight in song, dance, and theatrical delivery.

Deborah Cox and Wayne Brady star in The Wiz. Photo: Mark Von Holden for Shutterstock. Source: Broadway in Hollywood
Deborah Cox and Wayne Brady star in The Wiz. Photo: Mark Von Holden for Shutterstock. Source: Broadway in Hollywood

Deborah Cox is joyous as Glinda.  Phillip Johnson Richardson is heartwarming as Tin Man and brace yourself for a mind-blowing performance from Avery Wilson as Scarecrow.  Melody A. Betts is a double delight as Aunt Em and Evillene, and 5-time Emmy winner Wayne Brady makes a splash as The Wiz.

 Kandi Burruss, Cynthia Erivo, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Tamela Jones. Photo Mark Von Holden for Shutterstock. Source: Broadway in Hollywood
Kandi Burruss, Cynthia Erivo, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Tamela Jones. Photo Mark Von Holden for Shutterstock. Source: Broadway in Hollywood

The production team for The Wiz includes the Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Kristen Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland and of course, Broadway In Hollywood. Stars on hand for opening night (February 14th) included Kandi Burruss-Tucker, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cynthia Erivo, Lena Waithe, Affion Crockett, Kim Whitley, Evan Lionel, Tamela Jones, Dawn Lewis, Glyn Turman, Gina Torres and many more.

THE WIZ plays at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through March 3, 2024. This Los Angeles engagement marks the final city of the Pre-Broadway national tour. THE WIZ begins its limited Broadway engagement at the Marriott Marquis Theater on March 29, 2024.  For tickets and information about the Los Angeles engagement visit: BroadwayInHollywood.com

RELATED NEWS AT EURWEB: Broadway in Hollywood Celebrates L.A. Premiere of ‘The Wiz’ 

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