the wizard of oz musical tour 2023

A SPECTACULAR ADVENTURE OVER THE RAINBOW

Direct from The London Palladium, the sensational new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals is now on a major UK & Ireland tour.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including Over The Rainbow , Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See The Wizard with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice , this spectacular production of  THE WIZARD OF OZ  will be a truly magical experience for all the family.

Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.

The Wizard Of Oz is going on a 2023/2024 UK Tour!

By Yasmin Elkilany First Published 20 March 2023, Last Updated 26 January 2024

The Wizard of Oz , the musical based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, will embark on a UK Tour, following this summer’s forthcoming season at the world-famous London Palladium .

Join Dorothy, Toto and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz. Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road  and  We’re Off To See the Wizard  – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a magical experience for all the family.

2022 Production. (L-R) Ben Thompson (Toto), Giovanni Spanó (Zeke), Jacqui Dubois (Aunt Em), Geoffrey Aymer (Uncle Henry), Paul French (Hickory) and Jonny Fines (Hunk). Credit: Marc Brenner.

2022 Production. Ruby Shoes by Thomas Rowe (Parachute Collective), designed by Costume and Puppet Designer Rachael Canning. Credit: Marc Brenner.

2022 Production. The cast of The Wizard of Oz. Credit: Marc Brenner.

Michael Harrison, the producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which thrilled audiences on its UK Tour in 2022, now presents the brand-new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals. He said: “Nikolai Foster and his team have created a new and magical production of this beloved musical, and we can’t wait to take the show to audiences all around the country.”

Book now at these Theatre Tokens venues:

London Palladium , West End

23 June – 3 September

Liverpool Empire Theatre

Wed 13 Dec – Sun 7 Jan

New Theatre, Hull

24 – 27 January

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

30 Jan – 3 Feb

Edinburgh Playhouse

13 – 17 February

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

20 – 25 February

New Wimbledon Theatre

12 – 16 March

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

19 – 23 March

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

26 – 30 March

Bristol Hippodrome

2 – 7 April

Palace Theatre, Manchester

24 Apr – 5 May

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

9 – 13 July

Milton Keynes Theatre

16 – 21 July

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

30 Jul – 4 Aug

Sunderland Empire

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The Wizard of Oz

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THE WIZARD OF OZ TOUR 2023 - 2024 DATES & TICKETS

The Wizard of Oz Tour NOTTINGHAM Tue 09 Apr – Sat 13 Apr 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour BRISTOL Tue 02 Apr – Sun 07 Apr 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour PLYMOUTH Tue 26 Mar – Sat 30 Mar 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour BRADFORD Tue 19 Mar – Sat 23 Mar 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour WIMBLEDON Tue 12 Mar – Sat 16 Mar 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour LLANDUDNO Tue 05 Mar – Sun 10 Mar 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour NORWICH Tue 27 Feb – Sun 03 Mar 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Tue 20 Feb – Sun 25 Feb 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour EDINBURGH Tue 13 Feb – Sat 17 Feb 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour CANTERBURY Tue 06 Feb – Sun 11 Feb 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour SHEFFIELD Tue 30 Jan – Sat 03 Feb 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour HULL Wed 24 Jan – Sat 27 Jan 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour SOUTHAMPTON Tue 16 Jan – Sun 21 Jan 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour OXFORD Tue 09 Jan – Sun 14 Jan 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour LIVERPOOL Wed 13 Dec – Sun 07 Jan 2024 The Wizard of Oz Tour LONDON Fri 23 Jun – Sun 03 Sep 2023

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Official Website: https://wizardofozmusical.com

"There's no place like home..."

DIRECT FROM THE LONDON PALLADIUM, THE SENSATIONAL NEW PRODUCTION OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED MUSICALS EMBARKS ON A MAJOR UK TOUR

The Wizard of Oz , the musical based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum , will embark on a UK Tour, following this summer’s forthcoming season at the world-famous London Palladium.

The beloved tale comes to life on stage in an all-new musical adaptation that will transport audiences to the enchanting world of Oz.

Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, finds herself swept away by a tornado to a magical land where she must embark on a journey to find the Wizard of Oz and return home.

Along the way, with her trusty companion, Toto, she meets new friends and faces obstacles, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who is determined to stop her on her unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.

Producer Michael Harrison said:

“There really will be no place like the Liverpool Empire this Christmas, as Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion embark on their journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Nikolai Foster and his team have created a new and magical production of this beloved musical, and we can't wait to take the show to Liverpool and then to audiences all around the country.”

JLS star Aston Merrygold will play The Tin Man in Liverpool.  Strictly Come Dancing’s   longest-standing judge,  Craig Revel Horwood,  and  RuPaul’s Drag Race UK  winner and  Dancing on Ice  finalist,  The Vivienne  will both play  The Wicked Witch of the West.  Gary Wilmot  will reprise his West End role as  The Wizard  following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium.

Craig Revel Horwood  says:  “I am super excited about taking on the iconic role of  The Wicked Witch of the West  in  The Wizard of Oz.  She’s mean, green and wants those shoes! Aquaphobic and fab-u-lous…here I come!”

Gary Wilmot,  who reprises his London Palladium role as  The Wizard  continues: ” I am delighted to revisit a role so wonderful, it’s in the name! Performing as The (wonderful) Wizard in a smash-hit season at the London Palladium was truly a magical experience and I can’t wait to share that with venues around the country next year.”

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including ‘ Over The Rainbow' , ‘Follow The Yellow Brick Road ‘ and ‘We’re Off To See The Wizard' with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice , this spectacular production with stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking choreography will transport audiences to a world of wonder.

The Wizard of Oz musical is a must-see event for families and fans of the classic tale – don't miss your chance to  experience the magic of Oz!

THE WIZARD OF OZ MUSICAL UK TOUR CAST & CREATIVE

• Aston Merrygold* as   The   Tin Man (Bristol / Manchester / Birmingham / Cardiff)
• The Vivienne / Craig Revel Horwood*  as The Wicked Witch of the West
• Gary Wilmot / Allan Stewart / Alex Bourne*  as The Wizard
• Jason Manford* as The  Cowardly Lion (Manchester only)
• Aviva Tulley as Dorothy
• Benjamin Yates as The Scarecrow
• Nic Greenshields as The Cowardly Lion
• Emily Bull as Glinda the Good Witch
• Abigail Matthews as ToTo

Music by  Harold Arlen Lyrics by  E.Y. Harburg Additional Music by  Andrew Lloyd Webber Additional Lyrics by  Tim Rice Adaption by  Andrew Lloyd Webber  and  Jeremy Sams Orchestrations by  David Cullen Orchestrations adapted by  George Dyer

From the book by  L. Frank Baum

Director  Nikolai Foster  Choreographer  Shay Barclay 

THE WIZARD OF OZ MUSICAL VIDEO TRAILER

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• Bournemouth
• Derry / Londonderry
• High Wycombe
• Kingston upon Thames
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle Upon Tyne
• Northampton
• Peterborough
• Southampton
• Southend-on-Sea
• Stockton-on-Tees
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Wolverhampton

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

The Wizard of Oz review – over the rainbow and into an arcade game

London Palladium This adaptation has a luminous performance from Georgina Onuorah as Dorothy and some great ideas but throws too much at the audience

T his turbo-charged revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams’ musical adaptation serves up a hybrid theatre-cum-cinema experience. The proscenium arch is reframed as a luminous screen and the production pays clear homage to the 1939 film. But nostalgic imagery of rural Kansas is spliced with a futuristic world and we are taken to an Oz that is big, kitsch and unfamiliar.

Directed by Nikolai Foster, the adventures of Dorothy and her friends seem reconceived as a Steven Spielberg-style action movie, the back screen resembling a VR game. We slalom down the Yellow Brick Road and into Emerald City, which looks like New York’s Times Square with a green wash.

The central conceit for the story is inspired: Dorothy (Georgina Onuorah) is an outsider, at odds with the community in Kansas, which might be gesturing to America’s pre-civil rights history of segregation, and all its exclusions. She is innocent yet steely, and Onuorah has a truly glorious voice, leaving us with goosebumps in her numerous renditions of Over the Rainbow.

But the kinetic screen and relentless bigness of Harold Arlen’s music (with additional music by Lloyd Webber) often swallows up everything around it. The lyrics by EY Harburg (with additions by Tim Rice), are nondescript but the book – from the children’s novel by L Frank Baum – sounds saccharine and old-fashioned against the futuristic effects.

Previously seen at Leicester’s Curve , the show is full of imagination and skewed realities but throws too much at us and it feels like we are not so much inside Dorothy’s dream but an arcade game or hallucinatory quiz show. When it quietens, the performances shine. And when the screen projects the big empty skies and tarmac of a road movie, the story takes life.

Gary Wilmot makes a convincing Wizard and Louis Gaunt is a great Scarecrow, balancing the role of loose-jawed simpleton with quicksilver, soft-boned movement. Ashley Banjo, as the Tin Man, and Jason Manford , as the Cowardly Lion, are less remarkable.

The spirit of pantomime is channelled by the Wicked Witch of the West (Dianne Pilkington) while Christina Bianco’s Glinda is less flat and brings emotion to Already Home, along with Jacqui Dubois as Aunt Em.

But the biggest standout is Toto the dog, an utterly gorgeous puppet (controlled by Ben Thompson) and counterpoint to all the hi-tech wizardry on stage. As diminutive as he may be, he is the quiet star of this show.

• London Palladium
• Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Jason Manford

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The Wizard of Oz West End cast revealed with Jason Manford, Ashley Banjo & more

Casting has been revealed for the upcoming West End run of The Wizard Of Oz musical.

The Curve Leicester production transfers to the London Palladium for a limited season this summer, running from 23 June – 3 September 2023. Tickets are on sale now here .

The cast will feature Jason Manford playing The Cowardly Lion and Ashley Banjo as The Tin Man with Gary Wilmot in the title role of the Wizard.

They’ll be joined by Georgina Onuorah as Dorothy, Dianne Pilkington as Wicked Witch of the West, Louis Gaunt as The Scarecrow and Christina Bianco as Glinda The Good Witch.

Completing the company are Ben Thompson, Annie Southall, Charlotte St Croix, Claire O’Leary, Eamonn Cox, Emily Ann Potter, Geoff Aymer, Harrison Wilde, Jacqui Dubois, Jessica Daley, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Lauren Stroud, Marley Fenton, Michael Lin and Sam Stones .

Join Dorothy and Toto as they are swept up from sepia-soaked Kansas and transported over the rainbow to the technicolour wonderland of Oz. On her adventure down the Yellow Brick Road Dorothy meets new friends Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion who help her on her way, but the villainous and frightfully glamourous Wicked Witch has other plans for Dorothy, and in Oz – nothing is quite as it seems.

The musical features new music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, as well as iconic songs from the original MGM film.

Book The Wizard Of Oz tickets here »

The production is directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster with choreography by Shay Barclay, set design by Colin Richmond, costume and puppet design by Rachael Canning, projection designs by Douglas O’Connell, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, wigs, hair & makeup design by Elizabeth Marini, musical direction by George Dyer and casting by Kay Magson CDG. Mark Kaufman is creative consultant, magic consultant is Scott Penrose, props supervisor is Marcus Hall Props and costume supervisor is Anna Josephs.

Following its West End run, the show will tour from the autumn .

For more information, visit wizardofozmusical.com

More on: Annie Southall Christina Bianco Dianne Pilkington Eamonn Cox Gary Wilmot Geoff Aymer Georgina Onuorah Jacqui DuBois Jason Manford Jessica Daley Jonathan Dryden Taylor Marley Fenton Michael Lin The London Palladium The Wizard of Oz News

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.

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The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz musical is a fun, technicolour trip down the yellow brick road

Click your heels and head to the London Palladium in summer 2023 for blockbuster show The Wizard of Oz . A brand new production of the beloved musical flies in from Leicester Curve Theatre, and promises to bring the vibrant world of the MGM film to life on stage. This big-budget musical mixes innovation and nostalgia to create a theatre experience the entire family will delight in.

Featuring iconic songs from the film including “Over The Rainbow”, “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard”, The Wizard of Oz musical is the magical story we all know and love. When Dorothy and Toto are swept away from their monochrome life in Kansas and land in colourful Oz, they decide to visit the glittering Emerald City for answers from the mysterious Wizard, accompanied by a Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and foolish Scarecrow. But the Wicked Witch of the West has other plans… will Dorothy make it home safely? 

The Wizard of Oz musical is based on the Oscar-winning classic film, and has all the songs you know and love including “Over The Rainbow”, “If I Only Had a Brain” and Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead”. 

There are also additional songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice , bringing an exciting new edge to a story we know and love. Musical theatre impresario Webber and acclaimed lyricist Rice have collaborated on many hit musicals together, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar . Their new songs for this magical show include “The Wonders of the World”, “Red Shoes Blues” (for the Wicked Witch of the West) and two songs for the Wizard – “Bring Me the Broomstick” and “Farewell to Oz”,

Their Wizard of Oz musical premiered in 2011 at the London Palladium, and was preceded by a much-hyped search for a new actress in the role of Dorothy in the reality television show Over The Rainbow on BBC One. Danielle Hope won the series and debuted as Dorothy in the world premiere, opposite Michael Crawford as The Wizard and Hannah Waddingham as The Wicked Witch of the West.

This new London Palladium season transfers from a heart-warming Christmas season at Leicester’s Curve Theatre, and is directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster ( White Christmas ). Leicester Curve and Foster have become powerhouses in producing incredible regional theatre which often transfers to London. Their recent successes include a version of Billy Elliot with entirely new choreography, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole musical (directed by Luke Sheppard ), and White Christmas .

The cast of The Wizard of Oz musical includes Georgina Onuorah , who steps into the iconic pair of ruby slippers as Dorothy. She played the lead role in Leicester’s Curve’s production in 2022 to great acclaim. Onuorah is joined by comedian Jason Manford as the Cowardly Lion, Diversity’s Ashley Banjo as the Tin Man and West End favourite Gary Wilmot – a Palladium Panto regular – as The Wizard. 

Although best-known as a standup comedian, Manford has appeared in many shows across the UK including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Producers, Guys & Dolls and Curtains , as well as pantomime in Manchester. 

Other casting includes Dianne Pilkington ( Beauty and the Beast; Bedknobs and Broomsticks ) as The Wicked Witch of the West, Louis Gaunt ( Jack and the Beanstalk at the London Palladium; Mary Poppins ) as The Scarecrow, and Christina Bianco as Glinda The Good Witch. 

Follow the yellow brick road and enjoy a new version of the timeless classic in London, for a strictly limited season.

Child friendly?

The Wizard of Oz is a family show, with age ratings to be confirmed.

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The Wizard of Oz: The beloved musical is back on stage

There's no place like the theatre

The Wizard of Oz is back on stage entertaining audiences in the UK once again as the show enjoys a summer run in the West End at the London Palladium.

Here's what you need to know about the musical that started out at the Curve in Leicester and has now moved to the West End and beyond.

How long is The Wizard of Oz running in the West End?

You can cat The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium through until 3rd of September 2023.

The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium: Cast

Jason manford as the cowardly lion.

Jason Manford, who is a multi-award-winning stand-up Comedian, Actor, Singer, Writer, Radio and Television Presenter, will play The Cowardly Lion. In the world of musical theatre he's appeared in productions of The Producers and Curtains. He has hosted big theatrical events including the Olivier Awards and Magic at the Musicals.

Ashley Banjo as The Tin Man

Ashley Banjo is the founder, creative director and choreographer for the dance group Diversity who found fame in 2009 after winning Britain's Got Talent. He will make his West End musical debut in The Wizard of Oz, in the role of The Tin Man.

Gary Wilmot as The Wizard of Oz

Star of the Palladium Gary Wilmot will play The Wizard of Oz, he was recently seen at the Apollo Victoria playing The Wizard in Wicked. He has also been seen at plenty of the Palladium's iconic pantomimes and also starred in The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre and The Wind in the Willows at the London Palladium.

Christina Bianco as Glinda

Christina Bianco is a two-time Drama Desk Award nominee, who made her West End debut starring in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre. She captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her 'diva' impression videos gaining over 25 million views. She will be playing Glinda.

Dianne Pilkington as The Wicked Witch of the West

Dianne Pilkington has starred in West End shows including Wicked (as Glinda at Apollo Victoria Theatre) and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre) and originated the iconic role of Eglantine Price in the world stage premiere of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (National Tour). She will be staring as The Wicked Witch of the West.

Louis Gaunt as The Scarecrow

Louis Gaunt has West End credits including the title role in last year's production of Jack and the Beanstalk (London Palladium) and Bert in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre). He can be seen as Lord Lumley in Series 2 of hit series Bridgerton on Netflix. He will be The Scarecrow.

Georgina Onuorah as Dorothy

Georgina returns to The Wizard of Oz having led the production at the Curve Theatre. Her other credits include Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella.

The full cast is completed by Ben Thompson (as Toto), Annie Southall, Charlotte St.Croix, Claire O’Leary, Eamonn Cox, Emily Ann Potter, Geoff Aymer, Harrison Wilde, Jacqui Dubois, Jessica Daley, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Lauren Stroud, Marley Fenton, Michael Lin and Sam Stones.

Will The Wizard of Oz go on tour?

Yes it will! Following their summer run at the London Palladium, The Wizard of Oz is heading on a UK tour starting with Liverpool in December 2023 with the show headinging all across the country in 2024.

Casting for the UK tour is yet to be announced.

Is the musical based on the film?

The musical is based on the iconic MGM film from 1939 as well as L. Frank Baum's novel from 1900 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz which the film itself is based on.

Is this the Andrew Lloyd Webber version?

You may remember that back in 2011, a new production of The Wizard of Oz arrived in the West End and it featured some brand-new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice alongside Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg's songs from the 1939 film.

The new 2023 production also features Andrew and Tim's new songs.

The Wizard of Oz: Creative team

The new production is directed by Nikolai Foster, with choreography by Shay Barclay, Set Designer is Colin Richmond, Projection Designer is Douglas O’Connell, Costume and Puppet Designer is Rachael Canning, Lighting Designer is Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer is Adam Fisher, Creative Consultant is Mark Kaufman, Musical Director and Musical Supervisor is George Dyer, Magic Consultant is Scott Penrose, Casting Director is Kay Magson CDG, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props, Costume Supervisor is Anna Josephs and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.

Our favourite musicals based on books:

Kander and Ebb's hugely successful Cabaret which is set in Berlin during the Weimar Republic was based on John Van Druten's play I am a Camera which in turn was based on Christopher Isherwood's semi-autobiographical novel, Goodbye to Berlin.

A slightly different type of adaptation came with Cats. A collection of T. S. Elliot's poems about cats were published in 1939 in a book called Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The poems were used as lyrics in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1981 musical Cats which was at one point the longest running musical both in the West End and on Broadway.

The Color Purple

Alice Walker's 1982 novel The Color Purple has been voted one of the UK's most loved books and Alice became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The novel was adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg in 1985 and a musical that explores more of the themes included in the source material opened on Broadway in 2005. The musical version of The Color Purple is now being adapted into a film.

Doctor Doolittle

During the First World War, Hugh Lofting began sending illustrations to his children about a physician who could talk to the animals. He went on to publish the stories with the first one released in 1920. The stories had their first big screen adaptation in 1967 with Rex Harrison as the titular character. The film and stories were adapted for the stage with the first run taking place at the Hammersmith Apollo with Phillip Schofield in the leading role.

Gypsy Rose Lee, who was famous for her striptease act, released her autobiography titled Gypsy: A Memoir in 1957. The book served as the inspiration behind Jules Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents' iconic 1959 musical, Gypsy.

Legally Blonde

Now many of us know that Legally Blonde was based on the hit 2001 film starring Reece Witherspoon, but did you know that the film was based on a book of the same name? Author Amanda Brown wrote a novel based on her own experience at Stanford Law School. Before the book was even published, the manuscript caught the attention of Hollywood and both the book and film were released in 2001 with the musical adaptation first opening in 2007.

Les Misérables

Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables is considered one of the best novels of the 19th century and it's fair to argue that Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's musical adaptation is one of the greatest musicals of all time. Having opened in the West End in 1985, it now holds the record as the world's longest running musical.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins made her debut in P. L. Travers' children's stories with the first book released in 1934. It took Walt Disney 20 years to convince Travers to allow the film to be made - but she wasn't a fan of the final product. When she was approached by Cameron Mackintosh for the stage adaptation, one of her conditions was that nobody from the original film could be involved with the production. This meant that the Sherman Brothers were barred from writing the additional music.

Roald Dahl's beloved story of an intelligent young girl that had telekinetic powers was brought to the stage in 2010 when it opened in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Matilda the Musical has music and lyrics by Tim Minchin transferred to the West End in 2011 and won an impressive seven Olivier Awards .

It's fair to say that Lionel Bart's musical, Oliver! is one of the most famous British musicals around. It's fitting considering the musical's source material, Oliver Twist was written by one of the most famous British authors, Charles Dickens.

The Phantom of the Opera

There have been many adaptions of Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera - including multiple musicals. But it's Andrew Lloyd Webber's version that became an icon of the genre of musical theatre. The musical first opened in 1986 and is now the second longest running West End musical and the longest running Broadway show.

South Pacific

A collection of short stories about the Pacific Campaign in World War II by James A. Michener was published in 1947. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was adapted into Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific which opened on Broadway in 1949.

Considering Wicked's huge success as a musical, many don't know that the musical is in fact based on a novel. Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West was first published in 1995. It's worth mentioning that the content of the novel has much more adult themes compared to the musical adaptation.

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Magic at the Musicals plays the best of musicals from stage and screen and is brought to you by Magic Radio. You can listen to us online, on our app, smart speakers and DAB.

The Wiz (2023)

• View history

The Wiz (2023) is a reimagined, all-new production of The Wiz . It launched its national tour in the Fall of 2023 in Baltimore, MD, home of the 1974 world premiere of the musical, before starting its limited engagement on Broadway in the Spring of 2024. The Wiz will be part of the Hippodrome Theatre’s 2023/2024 Hippodrome Broadway Series presented by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

• 1.1 Main Leads
• 1.2 Ensemble
• 2 Production
• 3 Song List
• 4 Tour Dates
• 5.1 First Rehearsal
• 5.2 Promotional Images
• 5.3.1 Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly
• 5.4 The Tamron Hall Show
• 6.1 The Tamron Hall Show
• Nichelle Lewis : Dorothy
• Avery Wilson : Scarecrow
• Phillip Johnson Richardson : Tin Man
• Kyle Ramar Freeman : Cowardly Lion
• Alan Mingo, Jr. / Wayne Brady : The Wiz
• Debrah Cox : Glinda
• Melody A Betts : Aunt Em / Evillene
• Allyson Kayne Daniel
• Amber Jackson
• Anthony Murphy
• Avilon Trust Tate
• Christina Jones
• Collin Heyward
• Cristina Raé
• Jay Copeland
• Judith Franklin
• Kareem Marsh
• Keenan D. Washington
• Kolby Kindle
• Mariah Lyttle
• Matthew Sims, Jr.
• Maya Bowels
• Michael Samarie Geiorge
• Olivia " Melio J." Jackson
• Polanco Jones, Jr.
• Shayla Alayre Caldwell
• Schele Williams: Director
• JaQuel Knight: Choreographer
• Amber Ruffin: Additional Materials
• Joseph Joubert: Orchestration
• Hannah Beachler :Production Designer
• Sharen Davis :Costumer Designer
• Ryan J. O’Gara : Lighting Designer
• Mia Neal: Hair & Wig Design
• The Feeling We Once Had : Aunt Em
• Tornado Ballet: Company
• He's the Wizard  : Addaparle and Munchkins
• Soon as I Get Home : Dorothy
• You Can't Win : Scarecrow and Crows
• Ease on Down The Road : Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion
• Slide Some Oil to Me : Tin Man
• I'm A Mean Ole Lion : Lion
• Be a Lion : Dorothy and Lion
• So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard : The Wiz
• What Would I Do If I Could Feel : Tin Man
• Were Gonna Make It : Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion
• No Bad News : Evillene and Winkies
• Wonder, Wonder Why : Dorothy
• Everybody Rejoice/ Brand New Day : Company
• Y'all Got It : The Wiz and Company
• If You Believe : Glinda
• Home : Dorothy
• Baltimore, MD Hippodrome Theatre: September 26–October 1, 2023
• Cleveland, OH Connor Palace:October 3-22, 2023
• Washington, DC National Theatre: October 24-29, 2023
• Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center: October 31–November 5, 2023
• Charlotte, NC Belk Theater: November 7-12, 2023
• Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre: November 14-19, 2023
• Greenville, SC Peace Center: November 21-26, 2023
• Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre: November 28–December 10, 2023
• Des Moines, IA Des Moines Civic Center: December 12-17, 2023
• Tempe, AZ ASU Gammage: January 2-7, 2024
• San Diego, CA Civic Theatre: January 9-14, 2024
• San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Theatre: January 16–February 11, 2024
• Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre: February 13–March 3, 2024

First Rehearsal

Promotional Images

Performances

Courtesy of entertainment weekly.

The Tamron Hall Show

• 1 The Hanging Munchkin
• 2 Wicked cast lists
• 3 List of Oz books

The Wiz Sets Dates and Venue for Broadway Return

The Wiz is officially returning to Broadway. The  previously announced revival , which is currently appearing as a national tour, will play the Marquis Theatre beginning on March 29, 2024 ahead of an opening night scheduled for April 17. The Broadway production has been announced as a limited engagement, with an end date to be announced. The revival’s national tour launched from Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre on September 23.

Schele Williams is directing the production with choreography by JaQuel Knight and additional material by Tony Award nominee Amber Ruffin. The revival features music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Tony nominee Joseph Joubert, with music and vocal arrangements by Allen René Louis.

The Broadway cast will feature the  previously announced   Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em/Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow and  Wayne Brady  as The Wiz.

The ensemble will include Maya Bowles, Shayla Alayre Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Judith Franklin, Michael Samarie George, Collin Heyward, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Polanco Jones, Kolby Kindle, Mariah Lyttle, Kareem Marsh, Anthony Murphy, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate, Keenan D. Washington and Timothy Wilson. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting.

The revival’s design team includes Academy Award-winning scenic designer Hannah Beachler, Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis, lighting designer Ryan J. O’Gara, sound designer Jon Weston, projection designer Daniel Brodie, wig designer Charles LaPointe and makeup designer Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche.

The Wiz , an all-Black take on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” features a Tony-nominated original book by William F. Brown and a Tony-winning original score by Charlie Smalls. This revival includes the song “Everybody Rejoice” with music and lyrics by Luther Vandross as well as the “Emerald City Ballet” with music by Timothy Graphenreed.

The original production of The Wiz opened on January 5, 1975 at the Majestic Theatre, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and later transferring to the Broadway Theatre. The musical closed on January 28, 1979 after 1,672 performances.

Joining the revival’s producing team are Elizabeth Armstrong, James L. Nederlander, Hudson/Mann, Cody Lassen/Matthew D’Arrigo, Independent Presenters Network, Amanda DuBois Productions/Ari Edelson, Dori Berinstein, Spencer Ross/Stephanie Cowan, Terry Schnuck/Gabrielle Palitz, Pippa Lambert/Alissa Norby, Gina Vernaci, Common, DECO Entertainment, MC Lyte, Patty Baker, Marlene & Gary Cohen, Concord Theatricals, The Fabulous Invalid, Fakston Productions, Brian & Nick Ginsberg, Gabrielle Glore, Grove Entertainment, Haffner-Wright Theatricals, House Woods Productions, John Gore Organization, Kawana Entertainment, Willette Klausner, MMC Productions, Lamar Richardson, Runyonland Productions, Erica Lynn Schwartz, The Shubert Organization, Lu-Shawn Thompson, Lana Williams- Woods, The Araca Group, Blakeman-Robinson Entm’t/Ricardo Marques, Robert Tichio/Score 3, Best Yet Entertainment/Branden Grimmett, Dkim Caldwell/Mickalene Thomas, DMQR Productions, Jason Turchin, Epic Theatricals/Jeffrey Grove, Joel Glassman/Westin Hicks, Jamrock Productions/Sonya Houston, Sally Johnston/Ann Scott, Judith Manocherian/Theatre Nerd Productions and Alan Seales/Gonzalez-Leiba Jr.

The Wiz is being produced by Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker.

The Marquis Theatre is the recent home of Once Upon a One More Time , which concluded its run on September 3.

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Tours To You

Your home for information about the touring broadway productions in north america, ‘the wiz’ announces full cast for upcoming national tour.

In advance of its highly anticipated national tour this fall and Broadway return in the spring of 2024, producers Kristin Caskey ,  Mike Isaacson ,  Brian Anthony Moreland , and Ambassador Theatre Group have announced complete casting for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning hit musical The Wiz .

Alan Mingo Jr. will star in the role of the Wiz for the tour’s initial cities, followed by Wayne Brady , who will lead the production as the Wiz in San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as on Broadway in spring of 2024.

The cast also features Deborah Cox  as Glinda and  Melody A. Betts  as Aunt Em and Evillene,  Kyle Ramar Freeman  ( A Strange Loop ) as the Lion,  Phillip Johnson Richardson  ( Sharper, Apple+ ) as the Tinman, and  Avery Wilson  ( The Voice ) as the Scarecrow, respectively. Richardson and Wilson will be making their Broadway debuts.

Broadway newcomer Nichelle Lewis will star as “Dorothy.” Ms. Lewis who hails from Virginia, was discovered via a TikTok video, and selected from more than 2,000 submissions for the coveted role.

The Wiz  ensemble features  Maya Bowles ,  Shayla Alayre Caldwell ,  Jay Copeland , Allyson Kaye   Daniel ,  Judith Franklin ,  Michael Samarie George ,  Collin Heyward , Amber Jackson ,  Olivia Jackson ,  Christina Jones ,  Polanco Jones ,  Kolby Kindle , Mariah Lyttle ,  Kareem Marsh ,  Anthony Murphy ,  Cristina Rae ,  Matthew Sims Jr , Avilon Trust Tate , and  Keenan D. Washington .

Featuring a book by  William F. Brown  and a Tony Award-winning score by  Charlie Smalls  (and others), director  Schele Williams  ( The Notebook , revival of Disney’s Aida ), award-winning choreographer  JaQuel Knight  (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,”  Black is King ), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host  Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), and Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements) are conjuring up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop will bring a whole new groove to easing on down the road.  

The Wiz  design team will include scenic design by Academy Award-winning  Hannah Beachler  ( Black Panther,  Beyoncé’s  Black is King  and  Lemonade) , costume design by Emmy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated  Sharen Davis ( Ray , Dreamgirls ), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning  Ryan J. O’Gara ( Thoughts of a Colored Man ), sound design by  Jon Weston  ( Parade ), projection design by Daniel Brodie  ( Motown the Musical ) and wig design by  Charles LaPointe  ( MJ the Musica l).

Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies, and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.

The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson.

Biographies

Wayne Brady  ( The Wiz)  multiple Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady has made his mark on stage and screen as an actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, and television personality. A true multi-hyphenate, Brady’s career path and personal life journey have helped him see the world in a unique way. His aspirations have always gone beyond solely starring in various entertainment projects, and under his Makin’ It Up Productions banner, he’s set out to create new content across different platforms that showcase innovation and inclusivity in fun and powerful ways.

A five-time Emmy winner (the first to win Daytime and Primetime awards in two consecutive years), Brady has an impressive TV resume including  Whose Line Is It Anyway?   The Masked Singer, Dancing With The Stars, Black Lighting, The Good Fight,  and Showtime’s  American Gigolo – each spotlighting different aspects of his immense talent. In addition to being a force in front of the camera, Brady is heavily active behind the scenes wearing the hats of host & executive producer for  Let’s Make A Deal, Game of Talents , and  Comedy IQ , which he also co-created.

All of this follows on the heels of the success of his award-winning daytime talk show  The Wayne Brady Show . Long an accomplished singer and performer, Brady’s musical acumen has always been a personal passion and he used that as fuel to help win the second season of  The Masked Singer . Off his victory, Brady dropped a brand-new original single, entitled “Flirtin’ w/ Forever,” which quickly climbed the streaming charts, as well as an accompanying music video. This follows the success of his debut album which was headlined by a version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” which earned him a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category. Brady has also triumphed on-stage starting with his Broadway debut starring as legal showman ‘Billy Flynn’ in the long-running hit musical, “ Chicago .” Soon after Brady starred as the ground-breaking character ‘Lola’ in “ Kinky Boots ,” Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Brady would later assume his biggest theatrical role to date headlining as ‘Aaron Burr’ in the Chicago production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning juggernaut “ Hamilton .” Recently Brady returned to Broadway as part of  Freestyle Love Supreme  working with the production team of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Anthony Veneziale. The unique show combines the fusion of hip-hop, improv, and comedy which won it a special Tony Award for its innovation and contributions to the world of theater.

Earlier this year, Brady announced he will again partner with the  Freestyle Love Supreme  team as well as Speechless to create “FLS+,” a new company committed to making improv globally accessible. Brady’s career evolution has also expanded to TikTok, amassing a stellar following in a short period of time. Whether utilizing social media to raise awareness of important social issues or collaborating with his extended family, the medium has helped him continue to reach and interact with new fans in surprising and innovative ways.

Maya Bowles  (Ensemble) is a proud Atlanta native and Point Park Alumna who is thrilled to be a part of  The Wiz  legacy! Broadway:  Moulin Rouge! The Musical . Nothing would be possible without the love and support of her family, both given and chosen, and her incredible team at MMV Talent! @mayabowles

Shayla Alayre Caldwell  (Ensemble) is a third generation native of New Haven, Connecticut. She began dancing at a very young age after being introduced to Guinean culture by her parents and dance mentor. She was accepted into the B.F.A. program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 2007. A few highlights of her dance career include representing the USA at the International Festival of Ballet held in Cali, Colombia, performing at the infamous Joyce Theater, Delacorte Theater in Central Park, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and being featured in The New York Times. She is overjoyed to premiere in her Broadway debut amongst so many talented people with the revival of The Wiz! IG: @salayre_jet.

Jay Copeland  (Ensemble) is excited to be part of the original revival cast for  The Wiz !  Recent stage credits include:  Ain’t Misbehavin  (“Andre”) Geva and Westport Theatres,  Hairspray  (Seaweed),  Jesus Christ Superstar  (Judas), and the opening act for  Patti LaBelle in Concert 2022 . In 2022, Jay was a contestant on ABC’s “American Idol” and was the first ever contestant to receive a Platinum Ticket (awarded to the top contestant in each of the 3 cities where  American Idol  held auditions).  Jay appeared in over 20 episodes and finished Top 7. Instagram @theejaycopeland and TikTok: theejaycopeland.   

Allyson Kaye Daniel  (Ensemble) is a former Public School Music Teacher. Big thanks to Tara Rubin Casting. And of course the entire Wiz creative team!!! Broadway Credits:  1776 Revival .  National tours:  Elf, The Color Purple . TV Credits:  Manifest, Law & Order: SVU, Search Party, High Maintenance,  and  Living With Yourself.  @akayedaniel

Judith Franklin  (Ensemble) is honored and ecstatic to take this trip along the yellow brick road, a road she first traveled as a young girl from her living room as she watched her first musical,  The Wiz ! Judith is a graduate of Houston’s Grammy Award-winning High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (Vocal/Dance) and Clark Atlanta University (B.A. Theatre). Her Broadway credits include  Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical . National Tours:  Motown: The Musical, Straight Outta Oz, Madea On The Run . Off Broadway:  TILL . Regional:  Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dreamgirls, Memphis The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Company . TV/Film: “Blue Bloods,”  “ Dynasty,” “Sesame Street,” Superintelligence and more. She has performed throughout the United States, Caribbean, Africa, Europe and South America. Apart from stage and screen, as a proud member of Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV), she spends her time giving back as Coordinator of the Arts & Education Program through BIV in collaboration with Covenant House New York.  www.JudithFranklin.com   IG @judithfranklin and TikTok @iamjudithfranklin

Michael Samarie George  (Swing) is thrilled to be a part of this iconic show and talented team! Previously in  Hamilton  (Chicago),  The Devil Wears Prada  and other major stage productions, including professional choreography. She loves performing, producing and is truly passionate about making change through art. Michael wishes to thank her family, friends, and reps for their support. @michaelsamarie

Collin Heyward  (Ensemble) is from Newport News, VA native, Collin, is elated to be joining  The Wiz !  Broadway: Disney’s  The Lion King. Regional: Memphis  (NCT). TV/Film: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” American Music Awards, Black Nativity . Dance: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Instagram: @collinheyward  

Amber Jackson  (Ensemble) is a multifaceted artist from Decatur, GA and is thrilled to be joining the cast of  The Wiz . Broadway:  Wicked ,  Hamilton: An American Musical,   The Devil Wears Prada . Off-Broadway: ctgla:  Transparent the Musical . TV/Film: “Power Book III,”  Soundtrack ,  A Jazzman’s Blues , “So You Think You Can Dance,” “American Idol,” “Good Morning America,” “The Talk,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Video Music Awards. @ambertiara                  

Olivia “Melio J.” Jackson  (Ensemble) was born in Columbus, Mississippi in 1996. She grew up the middle child, raised by her amazing mother with a strong foundation rooted in their love for God. Olivia or “O.J” as some friends call her, has always been a performer since the day she was born. When her mom moved the family to Atlanta, GA in the early 2000’s is when she fell more in love with the arts and knew that she could truly thrive. Through hard work paired with her family’s support she has been able to make great accomplishments and she is now a professional dancer who graces stages across the world with amazing artists such as the iconic girl group Xscape, BBD, City Girls, Lecrae, and so many more. She’s an actress on the hit Starz Network series, “PValley” as “Toy”. She is now making her big Broadway debut!  @therealmelo.j  

Christina Jones  (Ensemble) will be making her Broadway Debut! A proud poet, solo artist, and recent graduate of Boston Conservatory, Christina’s early career consisted of various vocal competitions (American Idol and Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY). Theatre:  Cabaret  (Ensemble),  Shrek the Musical  (Dragon),  For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf   (Lady in Yellow),  The Rocky Horror Show  (Janet Weiss),  Once On This Island  (Erzulie),  Ain’t Misbehavin’   (Charlaine Woodard), and  Sister Act  (Michelle/Deloris understudy). @ChristinaJonesOfficial

Polanco Jones, Jr . (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut in a show that aligns with his mission as a lifelong storyteller. He is an award-winning international theatre artist with a passion for creating contemporary socio-political work that heightens Black visibility. A New Orleans native, and 2020’s Big Easy Theatre Person of the Year, Polanco is thrilled to be a part of this adventure of heritage and innovation; which continues to allow him to stand on the shoulders of his ancestors. He would like to thank his family, friends, UMT, NOJM, CMWC and SAKS& management for their endless support. To God be the glory. Past credits include:  Black No More  (Off Broadway) IG@Imizpolancojonesjr

Kolby Kindle  (Ensemble) appeared Off-Broadway:  The Play That Goes Wrong  (Trevor);  Harmony . Original Australian Cast of  Come From Away  (Bob and Others). National Tours:  Waitress ,  The Book of Mormon ,  Sister Act ,  Dreamgirls , Disney’s  Beauty and the Beast . Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, The Old Globe, MTW, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Arrow Rock Lyceum. Voiceover: South Park: The Fractured but Whole video game. @kolbykin

Mariah Lyttle  (Dorothy U/S). Broadway:  Bad Cinderella  (Ensemble/Cinderella U/S). National Tour:  The Color Purple  (Celie). Regional:  Dreamgirls  (Lorrell) at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL,  Smokey Joe’s Café  (BJ) at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA,  Ain’t Misbeahavin’  (Armelia) at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, UT,  The Wiz  (Dorothy) at Virginia Repertory Theatre,  Ragtime  (Sarah) and  Ain’t Misbeahvin  (Self) at Park Playhouse in Albany, NY. Ithaca College ‘19, BFA in Musical Theatre. DGRW. For God, my family, my friends, and my students. Esther 4:14.  www.mariahlyttle.com . @mariahlyttle!

Kareem Marsh  (Ensemble) is a Philadelphia native who began his vocal and dance training at the age of 13. He has trained at various institutions in the state of Pennsylvania, under the tutelage of arts cultivators such as Joan Myers Brown, Dara Meredith, Shawn-Lamere Williams and Lucinda McCann. Kareem began his professional career dancing and touring with international dance companies such as Eleone Dance Theater, Waheed Works, and Philadanco, The Philadelphia Dance Company. He has traveled and performed in over 13 countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with Holland America Cruise Lines. In 2017 Kareem was featured in Dance Magazine highlighting his professional experience performing abroad. In 2021 he was also featured in the popular film adaptation of the musical  In The Heights  by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Kareem is also an esteemed arts educator within the tri-state area. Since 2012 he has taught within the Philadelphia and New Jersey Public school systems choreographing various musicals, and curating many programs for the empowerment of our youth. @Kareemdances

Anthony Murphy  (Ensemble) was most recently seen in the Lucille Lortel Award winning Off-Broadway Musical  Titanique . Anthony was also a part of the World Premiere of T he Devil Wear Prada  the musical written by Elton John. Before that Anthony was featured as Paul Burrell in  Diana The Musical  on Broadway! Tour:  Aladdin  (Genie, OTC). Off-Broadway:  The Pirate La Dee Da (Atlantic Theatre Company), Blue Plate Special (Ars Nova).  @stanthonysings

Cristina Raė  (Ensemble) born and raised in Nashville, TN. Heidi Klums’ Golden Buzzer and Top 3 on  Americas Got Talent  Season 15. Has been performing since the age of 7. Performing on many platforms like: Two-time 1st place winner at Amateur Night at the Apollo, CMA Fest, CMT Awards, The Stellar Awards amongst others. Numerous Off Broadway productions such as  Dreamgirls, Porgy and Bess, The Color Purple, Fame, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horror  as Crystal and so many more. She’s not just a performer, she’s a mother as well, to an amazing little boy named Jeremiah. She’s not just pursuing her dreams for herself and her son but for every child as well as adult, that needs proof that dreams really come true! Leaving her legacy is one of her biggest goals!  The Wiz  will not only be her debut on a national tour but also her Broadway debut! THIS IS BLACK EXCELLENCE! @CristinaRaeSing

Matthew Sims Jr.  (Swing) hails from the great state of Louisiana but has lived in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Matthew’s thrilled to have moved to OZ to meet this Wiz and make his Broadway debut! His recent credits include the National Tours of  The Book Of Mormon and Motown:The Musical . Matthew is a performer to the core and is passionate about making the day of everyone he meets a little bit brighter. @matthewsimsjr

Avilon Trust Tate  (Ensemble) is extremely thankful to be making his Broadway debut! National Tours:  Mean Girls  (Ensemble, U/S Duvall). Regional:  R+H Cinderella  (NSMT ), Chess  (MUNY. IG: @avilon.tate

Keenan D. Washington  (Ensemble) also known as singer/ songwriter Little Town, is making his Broadway debut in  The Wiz . The Miami, FL native began his theatrical training with Mrs. Tanisha Cidel and received his formal dance training in The Young Contemporary Dance Theater, under the direction of Mrs. Traci Young-Byron. He then went on to receive his B.F.A from The University of the Arts and is an alumnus of New World School of the Arts, The School at Jacob’s Pillow and Springboard Danse de Montreal. Awards :  Honorary Webby Award winner for Hercules Muse Medley (YouTube) and NAACP ACT-SO gold medalist and national finalist. Tour: First National Tour of Hamilton: An American Musical (Angelica OG & Philip). Film/TV: Steven Spielberg’s  The Color Purple  (2023) and  Praise This  (Peacock),  SuperBowl LVI  (Kendrick Lamar)  & LIV (Shakira),  Dancing With The Stars, Masked Singer, NBC’s Peter Pan Live  and  Hairspray  Live Background Singing and Dancing: Mariah Carey, Brandy, Lil Nas X, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande & more. @littletown.music

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The Wizard of Oz

Approximate running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Event Notes

We’re off to see the wizard! Follow the yellow brick road in the delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to delight audiences for generations!

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PRE-BROADWAY NATIONAL TOUR

NOW IN PERFORMANCES. FIND YOUR CITY BELOW.

Musical Theatre West Announces 2023 Season Featuring THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE WIZARD OF OZ & More

The season also includes 9 to 5: The Musical, and more.

Long Beach's Musical Theatre West has announced its production lineup for the upcoming 2023 season. Promising to be one of its most exciting seasons to date, MTW's 2023 season offers an outstanding collection of beloved classics from the screen, brought to life on stage. Subscriptions are now available through the box office. Call 562-856-1999 to reserve your seats for the season. Season subscription packages begin at $60.

"This is a season full of big, beautiful, ambitious stories. We have a fantastic collection of iconic Broadway classics that we are thrilled to be able to bring to Southern California next season," shared Paul Garman , Executive Director/Producer of Musical Theatre West. "We could not be more excited for our audiences to experience the type of magic only live theatre can provide."

Musical Theatre West's 2023 season line-up includes:

9 to 5: The Musical | February 10 - 26, 2023

Based on the hit movie, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick , 9 to 5: The Musical is a side-splitting salute to corporate sisterhood and workplace revenge! Shortly after three co-workers share their fantasies of how they'd give their sexist, egotistical, oppressive boss the boot, events conspire to allow them to take control of the company that's been keeping them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she?

An American in Paris | April 14 - 30, 2023

An American soldier, an alluring French woman, and an indomitable European city each yearn for a new beginning in the aftermath of World War II. Inspired by the Academy Award winning 1951 film, An American in Paris features an enchanting score by George and Ira Gershwin , a fresh, sophisticated book by Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas , and stunning choreography from tap to ballet that will sweep you off your feet!

The Wizard of Oz | July 7 - 23, 2023

We're off to see the Wizard! This timeless tale of a Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow - only to discover there's no place like home - has been charming audiences for generations. Follow the yellow brick road all the way to the Emerald City in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum 's enduring classic. Filled with brains, heart, and courage, and featuring the iconic score from the MGM film, The Wizard of Oz is sure to be fun for the whole family!

The Sound of Music | Oct 20 - Nov 5, 2023

A story of hope in the face of rising horrors, this final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II has become known and loved throughout the world. Maria, a free-spirited postulant, is sent to serve as a governess to seven motherless children. Using patience, kindness and the love of music she ultimately wins the hearts of both the children and their father, but the family must soon make the unthinkable choice to flee their homeland.

MTW's performances will be held at The Carpenter Performing Arts Center located at 6200 E. Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815.

This season will see the return of MTW's full season subscription package, which guarantees patrons tickets to all four productions up to 35% off the regular ticket price. To purchase a subscription for the 2023 season, dial the box office at 562-856-1999.

ABOUT MUSICAL THEATRE WEST

The story of Musical Theatre West is the 70-year journey from a group of volunteers performing in a high school auditorium to one of the largest and most respected theatrical production companies in Southern California. Utilizing professional talent, and producing regional and even world premiere musicals while continuing to honor the tradition of classic musical theatre, MTW is the largest arts producer in the Long Beach area. The company continues to receive critical acclaim and national recognition - and many performers who cut their teeth on the MTW stage have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and in television and film. Just as importantly, stage and screen veterans now come to Musical Theatre West to perform, finding it to be one of the friendliest and most fun venues to work in. A key aspect of the company is its dedication to education, and the Education and Outreach Programs of Musical Theatre West bring the joy and magic of musical theater to over 17,000 children each year through special Student Matinee performances, traveling shows and school assemblies, and the Summer Youth Conservatory. Musical Theatre West has a mission to enrich the community with Broadway-quality productions, preserve musical theatre as a unique American art form, and expose people of all backgrounds to the excitement of musical theatre. We hope you'll join us.

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The Wizard of OZ

Step into the enchanting world of Oz with this musical production that features the best musical theatre performers and musicians in the Valley. Follow Dorothy and her loyal companions—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and of course Toto —as they embark on a whimsical journey to the Emerald City, seeking the mysterious Wizard's help to find their heart's desires. Filled with beloved songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," this timeless tale of friendship, courage, and self-discovery is brought to life with dazzling costumes, captivating choreography, and spellbinding performances. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you clicking your heels with joy!

If you liked last season’s sold-out Beauty and the Beast , you will love The Wizard of Oz

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The Bushnell announces seven Broadway series shows for 2024-25 season

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford announced its 2024-25 Broadway series of musicals on Monday.

The slate of shows for the upcoming season includes the Neil Diamond bio-musical “A Beautiful Noise” Oct. 1-6, 2024; the return of Disney’s “The Lion King” Nov. 13-Dec. 1, 2024; “MJ the Musical” Dec. 10-15, 2024; a radically rethought revival of “Peter Pan” Feb. 4-9, 2025; “The Wiz” March 11-16, 2025; “Some Like It Hot” April 29-May 4, 2025; and “Back to the Future the Musical” June 4-8, 2025.

The schedule breaks down to two jukebox musicals, two refreshed and reinterpreted 20th-century musical classics and three musical versions of famous movies (one of them from Disney).

The Bushnell continues its tradition of hosting the first national tours of recent Broadway hits. Two of the shows, “MJ” and “Back to the Future,” are still running on Broadway as their first national tours commence. The Broadway production of “Some Like It Hot” closed in December after running for around a year. “The Wiz,” a revival of the 1974 Black version of “The Wizard of Oz,” is touring before it gets to Broadway, playing The Bushnell less than three weeks before it begins preview performances at New York’s Marquis Theatre.

Besides the seven shows in the subscription season, The Bushnell announced return bookings of two musicals that have already played the venue in recent years: “Les Miserables” from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, 2024, and the concert-style British history lesson “Six” Dec. 31, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025. Various tours of “Les Mis” have been coming to The Bushnell since 1989, most recently in 2017. When “Six” happens, it will be only two years since the first tour of the show about the six wives of Henry VIII played The Bushnell in January 2023.

Tickets are not yet available. Bushnell Broadway series subscribers are contacted first about renewing their subscriptions. Then, new subscriptions are offered to those not currently subscribing. Finally, months from now, single tickets will go on sale for the shows.

Of the seven subscription shows, five are the first national tours of new musicals that have never appeared at The Bushnell. The other two, “Peter Pan” and “The Wiz,” first came to The Bushnell decades ago but in very different forms. This new production of “Peter Pan” has been rewritten by playwright Larissa Fasthorse (Broadway’s “The Thanksgiving Play”), with a particular interest in reworking the original script’s objectionable depictions of Native Americans.

“Some Like It Hot” is based on the 1959 film comedy directed by Billy Wilder and starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe. It’s not the first time the movie has been turned into a musical. A previous attempt, “Sugar,” by Jule Styne, Bob Merrill and Peter Stone ran on Broadway in 1972 and (retitled as “Some Like It Hot”) played the Shubert Theatre in New Haven in 2002. This new one has a score by the “Hairspray” and TV “Smash” team of Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman and a book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin. López has had several of his plays (including the world premieres of “Somewhere” and “Reverberation”) produced by Hartford Stage, which also commissioned (but did not end up producing) his Tony-winning epic “The Inheritance.”

Ruffin, best known as a writer/performer on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and for her now-defunct “Amber Ruffin Show” on Peacock, also had a hand in the tour of “The Wiz,” adding new material to the show’s book.

It took years, but The Bushnell has finally caught up with the backlog of Broadway series shows whose visits to Hartford were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The last straggler was “The Cher Show,” which was originally scheduled to play The Bushnell in November of 2020 and finally arrived earlier this month. This will likely be the first season since 2021 which has not had to make room for delayed runs of musicals originally planned for previous seasons.

The 2024-25 season begins in the fall. There are still three more Broadway shows coming in the current 2023-24 season: the “Wizard of Oz” prequel “Wicked” April 24 through May 12, “Beetlejuice” May 28 through June 2 and “Funny Girl” June 18-23.

The Shubert in New Haven announced its own 2024-25 Broadway series slate last week with “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Clue,” “Mean Girls” and “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life & Times of the Temptations.” All but one of those shows, the non-musical play “Clue,” has already played The Bushnell on earlier tours. Other Connecticut theaters that host Broadway tours, such as the Waterbury Palace, will announce their 2024-25 seasons soon.

For more information on The Bushnell’s upcoming 2024-25 season, go to the venue’s website at bushnell.org .

©2024 Hartford Courant. Visit courant.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

'We're not in Kansas anymore': Hanover students perform 'The Wizard of Oz'

A cast and crew of over 65 Hanover Public School Students are set to transport audiences to the magical Land of Oz during their spring musical production this weekend.

Students of varying ages and from all five district schools will put on four shows of "The Wizard of Oz" from April 12-14 in the high school auditorium.

Based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," the story of Dorothy Gale and her fantastical journey became an icon in American culture thanks to the timeless 1939 live-action film, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year.

Hanover's musical adaptation features all the familiar characters found in the original, from the lovable Munchkins of Munchkinland to the Wicked Witch of the West and her terrifying Flying Monkeys. And, joining the human cast is a furry friend named "Bernie" who is portraying Dorothy's little dog, Toto.

Show times:

• Friday, April 12:  7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 13:  2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 14:  2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online at:  https://hanover.revtrak.net/high-school-drama/ (while available).

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Wicked Casts Game of Thrones Alum Peter Dinklage - But Who Is He Playing?

Wicked just got another major star.

With a cast led by Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum, Universal's upcoming two-part adaptation of the hit musical  Wicked  was already packed with major stars. Now, another big name has joined the cast, in a pivotal role.

Universal's presentation at this year's CinemaCon was capped off with a dazzling new trailer for  Wicked  on Wednesday, along with the news that Peter Dinklage has joined the film's cast. According to The Hollywood Reporter , Dinklage, best known for his work on the hit fantasy series  Game of Thrones , will voice Doctor Dillamond, a key character in the development of the story of the witches of Oz. 

RELATED: Return to Oz with the Fantastical First Look at  Wicked

Peter Dinklage Joins Wicked as Doctor Dillamond

Dillamond emerges as a history teacher at Shiz University, where he's set apart by the fact that he's the only speaking animal who holds a teaching position at the school. An eloquent, kind talking goat with a passion for teaching, he forms a close bond with Elphaba (Erivo), who learns that Dillamond and speaking animals like him are facing discrimination within Oz, discrimination that the Wizard (Goldblum) doesn't seem keen to stop. This fact, and Elphaba's investment in Dillamond's plight, is a key part of Elphaba's eventual turn to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West.

RELATED:  How Ariana Grande's Anticipated Role in  Wicked  Inspired Her Tattoo

Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name,  Wicked  purports to tell the untold history of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch, and how her one-time school friend, Glinda (Grande), eventually became the Good Witch who seemingly opposes her in L. Frank Baum's  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . Maguire's novel was a bestseller, but the story really took off when it debuted as a new musical in 2003, quickly becoming one of the most successful productions of its era. 

Now,  Wicked  is prepared to take movie theaters by storm. Directed by Jon M. Chu ( In The Heights ), the film adaptation will be a sweeping two-part epic, with a cast that also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and more. 

Wicked hits theaters November 27. Its follow-up, Wicked Part Two, arrives almost exactly one year later, on November 26, 2025.

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• Ariana Grande

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