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.
