Lost in The Emerald City: The Wiz Review by Katie Haus

The Wiz was an unforgettable theatrical experience that showcased the power of vocals, storytelling, and visual artistry. From the second the screen rose, the production captivated the audience with its brilliant costumes, dynamic performances, and absolutely flawless vocals. This retelling of The Wizard of Oz felt fresh, lively and emotionally meaningful, making it clear why The Wiz has remained such an important and beloved musical. 

The Wiz originated as a musical in 1974, but had a rocky start full of mixed reviews. It started to grow in popularity on Broadway in 1975. Then in 1978 a movie version came out, with stars such as Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Despite the incredible cast this movie was a critical failure and wasn’t appreciated until much later. The Wiz closed in 1979 and finally reopened in 2023. Since then it has returned to Broadway and is touring once again.

One of the most striking elements of this production was the use of color and costume design. The juxtaposition of the gray and monotone world of Kansas and the vibrance of all the color immediately brought the world of Oz to life. Hints about the show's origins are evident through the iconic ‘70s flare of the costume. Each costume felt intentional because its bold colors, textures, and movement were designed to reflect the characters’ personalities and support the energy of the choreography. The costumes were not only visually stunning but also enhanced the choreography, allowing the actors to perform to their fullest. From celebrating Evamene’s death with colorful scarfs to the Emerald City’s sparkling shades of green, the brightness and creativity of this show feels truly magical.

Just as impressive as the color were the vocals. The minute I got home the first thing I wanted to tell my family about were the singing, which were the definition of perfection. From gospel to rock, every actor delivered their songs with power and clarity keeping the audience fully engaged. Dana Cimone, who played Dorothy, had an outstanding voice. It was balanced with strength and vulnerability, making her journey feel authentic and relatable. Songs like “Ease On Down the Road” were performed with such skill, confidence and joy that they are still on repeat in my head. 

The acting and chemistry between the performers also played a major role in the success of the production. The relationships between Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Lion felt genuine, and their interactions brought warmth and humor to the story, often earning chuckles from the audience. For example the Tin Man claims he has no heart but immediately breaks down in tears, Dorothy and the others tease and comfort him turning the moment into a comical and heartfelt exchange. Moments like this remind viewers that The Wiz is ultimately a show about friendship, self-belief and finding one’s way home. Each character had a distinct presence on stage, yet they worked together seamlessly as an ensemble. 

Overall, seeing The Wiz at the Orpheum Theatre was an incredible experience. From the sparkling clothes and the immaculate vocals, every element of this production worked together to create a powerful and memorable performance. It was a celebration of creativity, talent and storytelling, and it left a lasting impression on me long after the final curtain call. I think it’s safe to say this show will be added to my favorites list.