By Michele Markarian
The Wiz. Book by William F. Brown. Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls, from the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum. Directed by Dawn M. Simmons. Musical Director Allyssa Jones. Presented by Lyric Stage Company of Boston, 140 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA, through July 1.
Long before Hamilton came into existence – okay, the 1970s – there were musicals that we theater geeks revered, their music and lyrics working their way into our vernacular. A Chorus Line was one. The Wiz was another, making a pop star of its Dorothy, the young, talented Stephanie Mills.
“Who does this show?” I practically shouted at my husband, upon learning of the Lyric Stage’s production of The Wiz, grateful that for once, I wouldn’t have to twist his arm to go see something.
For those not familiar with the story, The Wiz is based on The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy (Salome Smith) is living in Kansas with her Aunt Em (Carolyn Saxon) and Uncle Henry (Damon Singletary) and unwittingly is separated from them during a tornado while looking for her dog, Toto. She wakes up to find herself in a new land, making new friends, but where she really wants to be is home. In order to return, it is suggested that she go see the Wiz, who would be most able to grant her wish. And so the journey begins.
Dawn M. Simmons directs an emotionally charged and energetic production, chockful of astounding musical talent. The opening number, “The Feeling We Once had”, affectively sung by Saxon, sets the tone for the rest of the show, which deals with the way we treat our relationships. That’s the beauty of “The Wiz”: the unrepentant get their just desserts, as do the kind and gracious. Jean Appolon’s exciting choreography heightens the action, beginning with the Tornado ballet, where four talented ensemble members depict a storm, aided by Jen Rock’s dramatic lighting design. Fluorescent yellow tubing, held by the same ensemble, creatively signify the yellow brick road. Amber Voner’s bright and quirky costumes are remarkable, from the snakeskin suit of the Wiz to the bone-brimmed hat of bad witch Evilene’s head flunky.
Really, though, the costumes, sets, and lighting just punctuate the obvious, which is, under the direction of Allyssa Jones, the sheer vocal talent of the cast. Smith, as Dorothy, is the heart and soul of the show. Not only does she have a pure and powerful instrument, she’s a marvel of an actor as well, lending vulnerability and strength to Dorothy. Her rendition of “Be a Lion’ is just gorgeous. Yewande Odetoyinbo plays two opposing characters – the luminous Addaperle and the odious Evilene – with honesty and conviction. Davron S. Monroe’s “So You Want to Meet the Wizard” is a showstopper reminiscent of the Rat Pack. Brandon G. Green’s Lion is adorable, and the friendship between him and Dorothy is touching. Both Elle Borders (Scarecrow) and Steven Martin (Tinman) have considerable vocal talent; the group numbers, particularly “Brand New Day”, shine. The eight-piece orchestra, cleverly hidden behind the set, is solid.
If you are at all familiar with the show, you won’t be disappointed. The Lyric has become one of my favorite places to see musical theater – the intimacy of the playing space is just big and small enough to contain an always strong esprit de corps. If you are not familiar with the show, this is the perfect place to fall in love with it. For more info and tickets, go to: https://www.lyricstage.com
