by Mark G. Auerbach
The Wiz, currently at The Bushnell, sizzles on every level. Hannah Beachler’s psychedelic sets and Daniel Brodie’s incredible video and projections are mind-blowing. Ryan J. O’Gara’s lighting bedazzles, and Sharen Davis’ costumes are bright, bold and sassy. This high tech opulence makes this half-century old musical look like it was born yesterday.
When The Wiz opened on Broadway fifty years ago, it turned the Great White Way upside down with its smart update of a beloved film classic, easing down the road with a top-40 R&B fused into Broadway sound, a stunning look with Geoffrey Holder’s costumes and choreography bedazzling on every level, and some breakout performances by Stephanie Mills, Hinton Battle, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. A half century later, with today’s enhanced production technology available, a rethought book by Amber Ruffin, who made the soon Bushnell-bound Broadway hit Some Like it Hot so refreshed, The Wiz dazzles yet again.
Amber Ruffin’s revision of William F. Btown book tightens the pace of the show, and Charlie Small’s songs are still fabulous, from “Ease on Down The Road”, “Home” and “Believe in Yourself” standing up to time. Luther Vandross’ “Everybody Rejoice”, written for the original, is an anthem to happiness. Schele Williams’ direction is fast-paced and thoughtful, and Jacquel Knight’s choreography is spirited, even though its often repetitive.
The performances are great. Dana Simone as Dorothy. Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz. Sheherazade as Glinda. Kyla Jade as Aunt Em and Evilene. D. Jerome as Tin Man. Mykal Kilgore as Lion. Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Scarecrow—they’re great.
The Wiz is a great choice for a family outing. It’s flashy, loud, full of action, and a splash of color. I wish there had been a few more “down time” moments, because when the show turned off the glitz and went for simplicity, it was honest and sincere and full of warmth.
The Wiz plays The Bushnell;; through March 16. For details: www.bushnell.org.
The Bushnell presents The Wiz. Book by William F. Brown. Music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. New book by Amber Ruffin. Directed by Schele Williams. Choreography by Jaquel Knight. Music direction by Victor Simonson. Scenic design by Hannah Beachler. Costume design by Sharen Davis. Lighting design by: Ryan J. O’Gara. Sound design by Jon Weston. Video and Projection design by Daniel Brodie. Cast: Dana Simone as Dorothy. Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz. Sheherazade as Glinda. Kyla Jade as Aunt Em and Evilene. D. Jerome as Tin Man. Mykal Kilgore as Lion. Elijah Ahmad Lewis asScarecrow. Through March 16 at The Bushnell, 140 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT. For tickets: www.bushnell.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, Survivor Stories, and On The Mark for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Berkshire On Stage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.