New York Daily News

‘The Wiz’ back on the road to Broadway

- BY KARU F. DANIELS

The eagerly anticipate­d revival of “The Wiz” will hit Broadway’s Marquis Theatre on April 17.

Producers announced Monday that the latest production of the iconic musical — described as an “entirely reimagined revival” — will begin preview performanc­es on March 29 at the Nederlande­r Organizati­on-operated theater, the recent home of the Britney Spears-inspired musical “Once Upon a One More Time.”

Adapted in 1975 by William F. Brown as a Black version of L. Frank Baum’s classic story “The Wizard of Oz,” the acclaimed musical went on to “ease on down” Broadway history with eight Tony Award nomination­s and seven wins, including the coveted best musical prize.

The new production — starring Nichelle Lewis, Melody Betts, Kyle Ramar Freeman, Phillip Johnson Richardson, Avery Wilson and R&B music powerhouse Deborah Cox — began a multicity national tour at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre on Sunday night.

According to a rep for the show, the cast received five standing ovations during the curtain call.

Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady is set to star in the titular role when “The Wiz” hits Los Angeles on Feb. 13. The “Let’s Make a Deal” star’s previous Broadway credits include “Chicago,” “Kinky Boots” and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Freestyle Love Supreme.”

Five-time Emmy Award nominee Amber Ruffin created additional material for the revival that includes elements from the beloved 1978 big screen adaptation starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor.

Ruffin, of “Late Night With Seth Meyers” fame, also co-wrote the current Broadway smash musical “Some Like It Hot.”

“The Wiz” is directed by Schele Williams and choreograp­hed by JaQuel Knight.

Academy Award-winning “Black Panther” production designer Hannah Beachler has been tapped for the scenic design, while “Dreamgirls” costume designer Sharen Davis oversees the wardrobe.

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