Des McAnuff staged the "re-imagining" of the musical — with Charlie Smalls' score and William F. Brown's book — that began previews Sept. 26 and opened Oct. 11 at the California company's Mandell Weiss Theatre for a run originally scheduled through Nov. 12. The show's run was then extended by two weeks.
There has been no announcement about whether the production will surface in New York or elsewhere.
David Alan Grier (...Forum, Mambo Kings) stars as The Wiz in the musical based on L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," opposite Nikki M. James (All Shook Up) as Dorothy, Titus Burgess (Jersey Boys) as the Lion, Rashad Naylor (Hairspray) as the Scarecrow, Michael Benjamin Washington (La Cage aux Folles) as the Tin Man, E. Faye Butler as the wicked witch Evillene, Orville Mendoza as Uncle Henry, Valarie Pettiford as Glinda and Aunt Em and Heather Lee as Addaperle.
The ensemble includes Charl Brown, Courtney Corey, Mark Emerson, Dionne D. Figgins, Demond Green, Albert Guerzon, Dominique Kelley, Ron Kellum, Alan Mingo, Anisha Nagarajan, NRaca, Karine Plantadit, Terra-Lee Pollin, Keiana Richard, Liz Ramos and Marcos Santana.
"Our production will reflect the shifts that have occurred in the dominant pop culture, in both music and theatre, since The Wiz's history-making Broadway debut in the 1970s," director McAnuff previously explained about the new take. "This is modern Oz, with a modern look and modern sounds. It is a privilege working with such an esteemed company of actors as we head together into this great adventure. This promises to be an exciting ride for all of us!" McAnuff worked with Harold Wheeler, who orchestrated the original Broadway production of The Wiz, to give this version a more contemporary sound. An environmental set by Robert Brill was also part of the show's new concept, which includes a dancer (Albert Blaise) rather than a dog in the role of Dorothy's beloved Toto.
On board to create the new land of Oz were Brill (set), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Howell Binkley (lights), Peter Fitzgerald (sound) and Michael Clark (projections). Sergio Trujillo — who teamed with McAnuff on Jersey Boys — provided choreography. Ron Melrose was the music director and Frank Hartenstein the production stage manager. Dramaturgy was by Shirley Fishman.
David Alan Grier last appeared on Broadway in the lead role of Pseudolus in the revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. His Broadway debut came in the musical The First, as baseball great Jackie Robinson — which earned the actor a Tony nomination. He also played in the short-lived musical version of The Mambo Kings. The comedic actor is also known for his roles on television in "In Living Color," "Life With Bonnie" and in the films "The Woodsman," "15 Minutes," "Return to Me," "Jumanji," "Boomerang" and "Bewitched."
Wayne Brady (Chicago) was previously announced to star as the Scarecrow but had to withdraw due to prior commitments.
The Wiz opened at Broadway's Majestic Theatre Jan. 5, 1975, and later transferred to the Broadway Theatre. The musical closed Jan. 28, 1979, after playing 1,672 performances. The original cast included Hinton Battle as the Scarecrow, Tiger Haynes as the Tinman, Stephanie Mills as Dorothy, Ted Ross as the Lion, Dee Dee Bridgewater as Glinda, André De Shields as The Wiz, Mabel King as Evillene and Clarice Taylor as Addaperle. The Wiz won seven 1975 Tony Awards including Best Musical. A 1984 revival — also with Mills as Dorothy — managed only 13 performances at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
The Wiz performed at La Jolla Playhouse, on the corner of La Jolla Village Drive and Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla, CA. For more information on the company, visit www.lajollaplayhouse.com.
