Overview
Synopsis
The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a joyous modern retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s story reflecting contemporary African-American culture. After Dorothy gets swept up in a tornado, she finds herself in the fantastical world of Oz. There, she makes new friends, battles evil witches, and seeks the aid of the all-powerful and mysterious Wiz. Ultimately, Dorothy finds that, if you believe with all your heart, you can always find your way home. With an infectious soul score, dynamic numbers, and endearing cast of characters, The Wiz is a joyous explosion of music, dance, magic, and heart to delight audience members of all ages.
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Context
The Wiz was first conceived by producer Ken Harper. His idea was to create a modern retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel, The Wizard of Oz, updated to reflect contemporary African-American culture. The production team included William F. Brown, who penned the musical’s book, and Charlie Smalls, who composed the music and lyrics (Timothy Graphenreed, Harold Wheeler, George Faison, Luther Vandross, and Zachary Walzer also contributed).
The Wiz premiered on October 21,
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ACT ONE
At their farm in Kansas, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry are preparing for an approaching storm. Dorothy, their niece, plays with her dog, Toto. Aunt Em scolds Dorothy for not lending a hand by helping them get ready for the oncoming tornado. Aunt Em reminds Dorothy that she won’t be a child forever, but reassures Dorothy that she and Uncle Henry will always be there for her (“The Feeling We Once Had”).
The tornado is fast approaching. Uncle Henry hurriedly beckons the two towards the
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Showing 8 of 16 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Wiz.
Showing 8 of 23 portrayals
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Songs
ACT ONE
- “The Feeling We Once Had” - Aunt Em
- * “The Tornado” - Company
- * “He’s the Wiz” - Addaperle and Munchkins
- “Soon As I Get Home” - Dorothy
- * “I Was Born On the Day Before Yesterday” - Scarecrow
- * “Ease on Down the Road” - Dorothy and Scarecrow
- * “Slide Some Oil Into Me” - Tin Man
- * “Ease on Down the Road (Reprise)” - Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Tin Man
- “(I’m a) Mean Ole Lion” - Lion
- * “Ease on Down the Road (Reprise)” - Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion
- * “Kalidah Battle” - Company
- “Be a Lion” - Dorothy and Lion
- * “Lion’s Dream” - Lion and Poppies
- * ”Emerald City Ballet (Psst)” - Company
- “So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard” - Wiz
- “What Would I Do If I Could Feel” - Tin Man
ACT TWO
- “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” - Evillene and Winkies
- * ”Funky Monkeys” - Company
- * “Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice)” - Company
- “Who Do You Think You Are?” - Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion
- “Believe In Yourself” - Wiz
- “Y’all Got It?” - Wiz and Company
- “A Rested Body Is a Rested Mind” - Glinda and Company
- “Believe In Yourself (Reprise)” - Glinda
- “Home” - Dorothy
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
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