Ease On Down the Road to Oz: The Wiz Lights Up the Orpheum by Jake Killam

The Wiz takes little to no time making its presence known. I saw this production at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on December 17, 2025, and from the start, it was clear that this re-establishment sways into movement, display, and ensemble energy. Directed by Scehele Williams, choreographed by JaQuel Knights, and adapted by Amber Ruffin, The Wiz delivers a speedy, visually engaging journey that celebrates uniqueness, even if the story moves way too quickly for its own good.

Visually, the show is strikingly beautiful. Scenic designer Hannah Beachler does a good job using eye-catching colors, which immediately puts the audience in a world of Oz—creating a vibrant and constantly shifting stage picture. The set is very effective, though at times the backdrop looked suspiciously AI-generated, which was disappointing to say the least. The transition from Kansas to Oz happened so incredibly fast, and the pacing was so rushed, especially early Act I. There wasn't much story development early on, making the plot as thin as paper before the characters were even introduced. Still, the energy never dipped, and the stage dynamics kept things engaging.

The ensemble was one of the strongest parts of the night. Costume designer Sharen Davis created costumes that were an absolute standout, bursting with texture and color,helping the stage feel alive at all times. The choreography made strong use of space and movement, though a few dance moments felt slightly off. Even so, the overall effect was intriguing and matched the show's momentum.

Performance-wise, The Scarecrow, played by Elijah Ahmad Lewis, was easily a star of the show. His physicality, comedic timing, and presence grounded the production and brought clarity to the fast-paced story. The Lion, played by Cal Mitchell, was also a standout, delivering a performance filled with self-reflection and emotional growth. His voice when first introduced was a little raspy, but noticeably changed in the show, which ultimately worked in their favor and made his journey feel more authentic and exciting. He was not only a strong actor but one of the most engaging performers on stage.

Dorothy, the main star, played by Dana Cimone, had multiple strong musical moments on stage, especially when she sustained notes that cut through the busy staging. While the opening song was difficult to understand lyrically, her later songs were breathtaking, showcasing her amazing musical talent and her vocal abilities more clearly. D. Jerome, as The Tin Man’s featured song, was another highlight vocally, though the sudden hip-hop influence felt random and slightly out of place compared to the rest of Charlie Smalls’ score.

Costume highlights extend beyond just the ensemble, although Sheherazade as Glinda wore a dress that was very distracting rather than magical. In contrast, Alan Mingo Jr., as The Wiz, wore a cape that was one of my favorite visual moments, dominating the attention the moment he appeared. Humor also landed well, particularly Kyla Jade as Evillene/Aunt Em in a scene making fun of her smell, which earned a strong audience reaction and added some well-timed high spirits.

Overall, The Wiz is colorful and energetic. While the pacing and story clarity occasionally suffered, the production's ensemble strength, visuals, and joyful spirit make it a worthwhile experience. Anyone attending can expect to be swept into the land of Oz, celebrating friendship, courage, and the unforgettable magic of Broadway brought to life on this tour.