A brand new day is here! For the first time in decades, THE WIZ returns home to the American stage with an all-new Broadway-bound adaptation. The Pre-Broadway National Tour launched earlier this year and now it’s coming straight to Des Moines, Iowa. This is an Oz unlike anything you have ever seen before! So, gear up for the Tony Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm.
The Wiz will have limited performances at the Des Moines Civic Center from the 12th to the 17th of December, 2023. Now that the touring production is headed your way, catch it live before the show finally arrives on Broadway! Adapted from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, this show will have you feeling delighted and nostalgic at the same time. Do not miss out on seeing this show when it comes to a stage near you! Tickets for the Pre-Broadway National Tour of The Wiz are on sale right now. Hurry and grab yours before the show sells out!
The Wiz Tickets:
“fun and spirited grand ole time even without blowing the silver slippers off my feet!” – BroadwayWorld
“It’s entertaining, energetic and brimming with talent.” – Theasy
“A charming and absolutely valid approach to “The Wizard of Oz.” – Los Angeles Times
A series of performances of “The Wiz” will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center months before its Broadway premiere. “The Wiz,” an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wizard of Oz.” It tells the story of Dorothy, a bright young girl who is transported to the fantastical land of Oz. The musical, is well-known for its all-black cast and funky and soulful sound. It not only won several Tony Awards when it premiered in the 1970s, but was also made into a film starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor.
In 1975, The Wiz became a surprise hit of the season. It won a whopping seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score, Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Choreography (George Faison), and Direction of a Musical and Costume Design (both Geoffrey Holder).
The official cast of the touring production includes Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy; Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz; Deborah Cox as Glinda; Melody Betts as Aunt Em/Evilline; Kyle Ramar Freeman as The Lion; Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman; and Avery Wilson as Scarecrow. The ensemble includes 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, Kareen Marsh, Anthony Murphy, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate and Keenan D. Washington.
The creative team consists of director Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida) and includes choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”), William F. Brown (book), Charlie Smalls (music & lyrics), Amber Ruffin (additional material), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal & music arrangements), Adam Blackstone (dance arrangements), and Paul Byssainthe Jr. (music direction). They are joined by Academy Award® winner Hannah Beachler (scenic design), two-time Academy Award® nominee Sharen Davis (costumes), Emmy® and Barrymore Award winner Ryan J. O’Gara (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Daniel Brodie (projections), Drama Desk Award winner Charles G. LaPointe (wigs), and Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche (makeup).
“The Wiz provides a fun and heartwarming experience for both musical theatre veterans and new, young fans.” – KDHX
The Wiz premiered almost five decades ago in 1974 in Baltimore. In September of this year, The Wiz returned to the place where it all began. The Pre-Broadway National Tour made its first stop in the same city. Fast forward to December and it’s now coming to Iowa.
“I wouldn’t be on Broadway if it wasn’t for The Wiz…the music, the costumes, the choreography, and Stephanie Mills!,” said director Williams in a statement. “Seeing that show changed my life. It is, in every way, a celebration of Black excellence. I am honored to helm this production, and I can’t think of a better time to tell this story.”
“It is a dream come true to be a part of what I consider the epitome of Black excellence,” added chorepgrapher Knight, who will make his Broadway debut with the revival. “There’s not one piece of art that has had influence on popular culture like The Wiz. I’m humbled to not only have the opportunity to leave my own mark on a true work of art, but to continue the storytelling and legacy building on the beauty of blackness through dance, movement, and attitude. I’m honored to stand on the backs of those greats who’ve opened this door, such as the Louis Johnson and George Faison; and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to help show kids who look like me that the Theatre is a world where they can see themselves.”
“The Wiz brings sparkle and spectacle!” – Arts ATL
Do not miss out when The Wiz brings the show to your city! It’s a family-friendly experience filled with some unforgettable tunes, including “Ease Down The Road,” “You Can’t Win,” “A Brand New Day,” and many more. So, gear up to witness a brand new day as Dorothy takes you on an epic adventure in the land of Oz! People of all ages are welcome to attend this action-packed show and it’s certain to be a brand-new hit.
Held at the renowned Des Moines Civic Center, the place is sure to give you a fantastic experience. It’s indeed a wonderful venue right in the heart of Central Iowa. It’s a beautiful venue with outstanding staff who will make sure your stay is a memorable one.
Get your tickets to see The Wiz in Des Moines, Iowa today! Tickets are on sale right here – click ‘GET TICKETS’ to secure yours!
