I promise: You will not miss Toto. Broadway’s outstanding new revival of “The Wiz,” in the words of its director Schele Williams, “feels like we’re giving you a hug.” A treasured story of Black Americana since the 1978 film version starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, itself inspired by the 1975 Broadway smash starring Stephanie Mills and directed by Geoffrey Holder, the theater version of “The Wiz” turns the L. Frank Baum children’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (and its cherished 1939 movie adaptation) into an Afrofuturist fantasia that transcends generations in its lessons about self-assurance, facing fears, and taking risks. Starring Wayne Brady (as the Wizard), Deborah Cox (as “Good Witch” Glinda), and powerhouse newcomer Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, this newest adaptation electrifies.
“The Wiz’s” top-notch creative team — including Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler (of both “Black Panther” films), choreographer JaQuel Knight (famed for Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” visual), costume designer Sharen Davis (“Ray,” “Dreamgirls”), and Oscar-winning wig designer Mia Neal — implies a wizard-like ringleader behind it all, and that leader is theater director Schele Williams.
Director of Broadway’s “The Notebook” and former associate director of “Motown: The Musical,” Williams saw the original run of “The Wiz” at the age of 7. TheGrio spoke to her by phone from Long Island, on the verge of a well-deserved vacation, discussing the Blackity-Blackness of her vision for “The Wiz,” the challenges of remixing all the story’s previous versions and more.
Give us the full account of how you took on directorial duties on this reimagining of “The Wiz.”
I got a call in August of 2020 with an offer to direct the show. I was surprised, ’cause I didn’t even know that there was a [new] version of “The Wiz” that was comin’ around….
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