This March ease on down to the Aronoff to experience The Wiz. The groundbreaking hit musical returns with an all-new production. Featuring an iconic score by Charlie Smalls (music and lyrics) and book by William F. Brown. The Wiz originally opened on Broadway in 1974 at The Majestic Theatre. During its original run, the show would go on to win multiple awards including Best Musical at the 1975 Tony Awards.
The Wiz is a Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz. After Dorothy is swept away to the land of Oz, she joins forces with Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion to meet the Wiz and take down Evillene, the Wicked Witch. Throughout her journey, Dorothy learns the power of believing in yourself and finding your joy.
Performances and Production
The National Tour is led by Phoenix La’Freniere (Dorothy), Kayla Jade (Evillene/Aunt Em) Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Scarecrow), D. Jerome (Tin Man), Cal Mitchell (Lion) and Alan Mingo Jr. (The Wiz). The entire cast blows the roof off the Aronoff Center. At times, I felt like I was in in a Black Baptist Church.
For fans of the original 1974 Broadway show and the film adaptation, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. This revival features the same songs we know and love with riffs, runs, and Black excellence at its finest. The Wiz is a showcase of Black talent and artistry
La’Freniere as Dorothy does a phenomenal job. Her take on “Home” brought tears to my eyes. Kayla Jade as Evillene took the Aronoff Center to church with “No Bad News” and even received a standing ovation from audience members.
Schele Williams as director brings The Wiz into a new generation. Amber Ruffin has provided additional material for the production allowing for a more contemporary take the iconic show. The choreography (lead by choreographer JaQuel Knight) is smooth, tight, and leaves you wanting to dance in your seat.
Jeremy Daniel
Get Tickets to The Wiz
By the end of the night, I couldn’t stop myself from squealing with pure Black girl joy. The Wiz is for audiences who dare to dream. If you’re a musical theatre lover, a patron of the arts, or someone who loves to see Black culture shining on stage – go see The Wiz.
The Wiz runs now through March 15th, 2026 at the Aronoff Center, part of the Broadway in Cincinnati series.
Tickets can be found here. If you are on a tight budget, there is a RUSH – anyone can purchase half price tickets two hours before that performance. But this show is so good–don’t take a chance on it not selling out!
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
