Magical ‘Wiz’ sparkles with chemistry at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall
Just over a half century ago one of the greatest figments of imagination in literary history got a makeover as L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” became “The Wiz.”
Baum’s story of Dorothy, whisked away from her home in Kansas into a land of mystery and enchantment by a tornado, was given a groundbreaking new look through the eyes of contemporary African American culture and an all-black cast. The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Now, Ken Harper’s idea for a recreation of Baum’s original story has become something of a classic in its own right. The most recent version is onstage at Bass Hall through Sunday, July 20 as the latest production in Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series Presented by PNC Bank.
This revival has returned to its U.S. tour that started in 2023, but paused for a short but successful run on Broadway for a few months in 2024. Thanks largely to the minds of director Schele Williams and Tony/Emmy-nominated writer/comedian Amber Ruffin, the newest edition is unlike any before.
Williams (who is also directing “The Notebook,” which is coming to Bass next year) also teams with a host of other notable masterminds. They include choreographer JaQuel Knight, who was behind Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video and whose stagework in “The Wiz” is nothing short of dazzling.
Academy Award winner Hannah Beachler, the first African-American to win an Oscar for Production Design (2019’s “Black Panther”), delivers a variety of breathtaking moments with her scenic design. Also, Sharen Davis’ costumes make it clear why she was twice nominated for an Academy Award in that category. Then there’s also Emmy Award winner Ryan J. O’Gara in charge of the lighting that brings so much excitement to the stage.
Most of the Tony Award-winning music and lyrics of Charlie Smalls from the 1970s are still around with an eclectic mix of soul, gospel, rock and funk. However, some of the songs have been reworked or replaced, such as Scarecrow’s song “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday” being exchanged for a new song titled “We’re Gonna Make It.” Also, a song named “Wonder, Wonder, Why” from the 1984 revival and sung by Dorothy is included in this version, while “Can I Go On” has been cut.
And, of course, no version of “The Wiz” would be complete without the signature “Ease On Down the Road.”
Other quickly recognized differences in this revival include the absence of Dorothy’s dog Toto, the Funky Monkeys are gone, there is no yellow brick road (dancers dressed in yellow are supplanted), Munchkins are now townspeople and Dorothy is slightly older (though far short of the 33-year-old Diana Ross in the failed 1978 film version).
Still, the core of Baum’s original story from his 1899 novel is retained. The elements around it have changed, but the magic has remained pure, a must.
Williams and all others connected to this revival clearly respect that story, which virtually every human alive knows. Dorothy (Dana Cimone) is still trying to find a way back home and is told her answer lies in going to Oz (which is unlike any previous Oz) and finding the all-knowing Wiz (Alan Mingo Jr. in a zesty over-the-top performance).
Along the way, she meets three new friends, each seeking something to make their own lives complete and get back something that was taken from them by Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West (Kyla Jade in a deliciously scene-stealing performance and who also doubles as the loveable Aun Em). Scarecrow (Elijah Ahmad Lewis) wants a brain, Tin Man (D. Jerome) wants a heart and Lion (Cal Mitchell) wants some courage.
The spotlighted quartet sparkles with chemistry. Each stands strong on their own, but together they simply pop, a must for the success of any presentation of this show.
Ruffin’s update of the material makes the show feel more timeless, whereas William F. Brown’s script from the 1970s can clearly be connected to that time period. In fact, she reworked over 50% of his original script.
Through it all, “The Wiz” and its predecessor “The Wizard of Oz” are about finding one’s identity and place in this world, along with the importance of those closest to us in life. It still remains true that there is no place like home.
Of course, it helps when that message is wrapped up in a fun production. After all, who says we can’t enjoy ourselves while receiving a life lesson?
So, while it’s here, ease on down the road to Bass Hall and check out “The Wiz.”