The Wiz LIVE was amazing and premiered on NBC as it was the third live production of a musical. I was born in the late 80’s, grew up listening to 90’s R & B and with a cast of great musicians that I know and love was great, not to mention a great comedian like David Alan Grier. The nostalgia of it all kept me entertained. In my opinion, you have to have such a creative mind to see the true vision. Some can argue about staging and the costumes were outrageous but its a modern take on things and if you don’t get it, you just don’t get it.
The shifting stage and projections, gave the performance depth. As I sat there with my mother who was not impressed at all, being that she had the original 1970’s The Wiz to compare it to, the visuals had me captivated. And while bits were lack luster, we have to acknowledge the story line isn’t the greatest and I say that in the nicest way possible.
The costuming was eye catching, from the Scarecrow’s (Elijah Kelley) to Glinda the Good Witch (Uzo Aduba) to Common, the bodyguard’s shiny suit. The costumes had so much “life” and color, it made me smile a little. And the casting was amazing, seeing so many familiar faces like Queen L-A-T-I-F-A-H as The Wiz, Amber Riley from Glee as Addapearle and MJB as the Wicked Witch. Who could ask for better cast for The Wiz.
The scripting used current slang which made it amusing to watch and gave a comedic vibe at times and dancing that young people can relate to. Not to mention Dorothy’s fly wedge sneakers to add a touch modernized style to the costuming.
How can you be mad at The Wiz LIVE ! ?
Well some were. Twitter went into an uproar about the all black cast for The Wiz, like ” why are there no whites starring in #TheWiz ? this is racist! can u imagine if it were the other way? #whitelivesmatter #TheWizLive” or “Minorities act like they’re the victims, but can you imagine if we made an all-white version of The Wiz?” Get a clue, there is a version. It’s called The Wizard of Oz !!! with an all white cast. Can African Americans have anything? Without being critiqued and criticized? I’m just saying. Although we have remade the production, we have made it our own. Inane commenting, and reviews that can only pinpoint the “crazy moments and weird costuming” have no understanding of the meaning of the production. Enough of that.
Overall, the production was incredible and will definitely go down in the memory banks. Considering what The Wiz on Broadway meant to Blacks in the 70’s, I can say I have that same feeling from the live production, something new and hip to relate it to. The Wiz also reminds you that you have to find things within yourself, no one can help you find it. It may take someone along the way that helps you come to the realization but you have to find it, whatever it may be.
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