When whispers first circulated about The Wiz, a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz with an all-Black cast, skepticism was rife. Even after its premiere at Baltimore’s Mechanic Theatre in 1974, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. Initial reviews were harsh, and backstage turmoil hinted at disaster. Yet, against all odds, The Wiz defied expectations, soaring to Broadway success and etching its vibrant songs into the hearts of generations.
The journey of The Wiz was far from smooth. As recounted by theater critic Peter Filichia, the opening night in Baltimore was plagued with issues. The director himself admitted to a troubled rehearsal process. The initial production was considered by some to be clunky, with jokes that fell flat and a song described as “awful.” Even seasoned performers like Stu Gilliam and Butterfly McQueen seemed miscast or disengaged. Filichia himself, attending with his wife, famously left midway through the second act, a testament to the initial struggles of the production.
However, amidst the initial chaos, sparks of brilliance were undeniable, particularly in the score by Charlie Smalls. Interestingly, Smalls made a deliberate choice not to directly compete with the iconic “Over the Rainbow” from the original Wizard of Oz. Instead, he crafted “Soon As I Get Home” for Dorothy, a song that arguably fits more organically into the narrative at that point in the story. This decision signaled a fresh, innovative approach to the material, setting the stage for the musical’s unique identity.
Despite the rocky out-of-town tryouts in Baltimore and Detroit, where reviews remained critical, The Wiz persevered. Word-of-mouth began to spread, fueled by an innovative television commercial campaign that highlighted “Ease on Down the Road.” This infectious tune captured the public’s imagination, even charting as a single – a rare feat for a show tune in the 1970s. This early success hinted at the powerful appeal of The Wiz Songs.
Broadway audiences embraced The Wiz with open arms. The musical became a smash hit, defying the initial naysayers and critics. It went on to win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, solidifying its place in Broadway history. Dee Dee Bridgewater, who played Glinda, also received a Tony, a unique accolade for a Glinda performer. When The Wiz closed after four years, it was the 11th longest-running musical in Broadway history, a remarkable achievement for a show initially predicted to fail.
The enduring power of The Wiz songs is perhaps best exemplified by the admiration of Stephen Sondheim, a titan of musical theatre himself. When asked about his favorite musical not written by him, Sondheim consistently names The Wiz. His reasoning is simple yet profound: “it’s the one show which makes you feel better when you come out of it than you did when you walked in.” This speaks volumes about the uplifting and transformative quality of the music and the overall experience of The Wiz.
The legacy of The Wiz songs extends beyond the stage. The original cast album captured Smalls’ “atmospheric black score,” ensuring the music reached a wider audience. In 1978, a film adaptation brought The Wiz songs to the silver screen, further cementing their place in popular culture. And in 2015, NBC’s The Wiz Live! introduced the musical to a new generation, spawning yet another recording and demonstrating the timeless appeal of the score.
The Wiz Live! featured a star-studded cast, a stark contrast to the relatively unknown performers of the original Broadway production. Stephanie Mills, who originated the role of Dorothy on Broadway, returned as Aunt Em, delivering a poignant rendition of “The Feeling We Once Had.” Amber Riley, known from Glee, brought her powerful vocals to Addaperle’s “He’s the Wizard.” Queen Latifah’s gender-swapped Wiz delivered a commanding “So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard” and the energetic “Y’all Got It.”
This production also introduced new songs and reimagined existing ones. “We Got It,” a new ensemble piece, was added to motivate Dorothy and her companions on their journey to the Emerald City. While some original songs like “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “I Was Born on the Day before Yesterday” were omitted, “You Can’t Win,” a song originally written for the film, was incorporated, adding another layer to the musical tapestry of The Wiz.
The film adaptation, though initially less successful than the stage version, also contributed to the canon of The Wiz songs. Michael Jackson’s portrayal of the Scarecrow in the film is fondly remembered, and his rendition of “You Can’t Win” offered a different interpretation of the character. Mary J. Blige in The Wiz Live! delivered a powerful performance of Evillene’s defiant anthem, “No Bad News,” showcasing the range and depth of the score. Uzo Aduba’s Glinda in The Wiz Live! shone with the inspirational ballad “If You Believe,” echoing Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Tony-winning performance and highlighting the emotional core of The Wiz songs.
Perhaps the most crucial element in any production of The Wiz is Dorothy. The Wiz Live! introduced Shanice Williams in this pivotal role. Her performance captured the youthful wonder and resilience essential to Dorothy’s journey. Her rendition of “Soon As I Get Home” showcased her vocal prowess and emotional depth, particularly the impressive fourteen-second hold on the final note. Williams’ portrayal resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying her as a talent to watch and further emphasizing the strength of Dorothy’s songs within the musical.
From its shaky beginnings to its status as a beloved classic, The Wiz’s journey is a testament to the power of its songs and its enduring message of hope and self-discovery. The music of Charlie Smalls, augmented by contributions from Luther Vandross and others, transcends genre and time, continuing to uplift and inspire audiences across generations. Whether on stage, screen, or record, The Wiz songs remain a vibrant and essential part of the musical theatre landscape, inviting us all to ease on down the road.
