For the first time in nearly 40 years, “The Wiz” returned to the Muny stage as part of the 100th Anniversary Season Tuesday night. The cast, staff and crew are to be commended for powering through the hell of a surprise thunderstorm – and the high waters it produced. The Muny refused to let the weather stop them from delivering a solid musical theater offering on the opening night for the second production of their historic centennial season. Their audience also deserves praise for toughing out a 90-minute rain delay. While still soggy from being blindsided by more than two hours of rain prior to the show as they delivered a standing ovation, there was a genuine sense of delight in the Muny’s take on the beloved African-American spin on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Still a singing, dancing good time, the show wasn’t quite the electric expression of soul typically associated with the production. It was fun, but witnessing a new generation get immersed in “The Wiz” was the cherry on top. The Muny was aided by a refreshed script by Amber Ruffin, and new orchestrations by Darryl Archibald. Both seemed mindful to stay respectful of the original vision of William F. Brown and Charlie Smalls’ urban spin on the L. Frank Baum classic.
Director Denis Jones gave the show a feverish pace. The audience never sat in one scene long enough to be bored with it. But, there was barely room for vocal improvisations and liberties for the sake of “owning the song,” an element that has come to be expected with just about any production of “The Wiz.” A genuine chemistry between the cast – and the energy that is produced on stage because of it – along with the overall production value were the consolation prizes.
Danyel Fulton led the cast in her Muny debut as Dorothy. Though they have different vocal charisma, Fulton’s performance bore a striking resemblance to Stephanie Mills, who originated the role on Broadway. Meanwhile, Jared Grimes is reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s portrayal of the Scarecrow in the film version – which starred Diana Ross. James T. Lane’s Tinman leaned towards the stage version of “The Wiz” while Darius de Haas pulled from both the film and the stage version for his portrayal of the Lion. All were effective and enjoyable, though a bit more power on the vocal side would have taken the supporting players from good to great. They meshed really well as an ensemble – and Lane deserves a nod for expanding his robot-like precision the during the dance sequences into his general movement over the course of the show. Demetria McKinney and E. Faye Butler had the task of portraying two characters within the production. Butler transitioned with ease between the delightfully flighty Addaperle and the hilariously wicked Evillene. McKinney’s portrayal of Aunt Em and Glinda have less of a variation between the two roles. She charmed as the loving aunt and the good witch, but truly shined as Glinda.
Grammy award-winning St. Louis native Nathan Lee Graham was a force to be reckoned with when he exploded on stage in the title character. He was as extra as he pleased and raised the energy level of the production from the moment he made his grand introduction on stage – and made the role all his own.
The Muny’s take on “The Wiz” blended elements from the Broadway version and Berry Gordy’s film adaptation. The audience had the added bonus of seeing the Scarecrow perform “You Can’t Win” from Berry Gordy’s film adaptation, which was not a part of the original Broadway production.
There were moments when the vocal arrangements felt a bit too tailored to the taste of the typical Muny audience at the expense of the R&B flavor the show is known for – particularly Dorothy’s “Home” finale and the opening musical number, Aunt Em’s “The Feeling We Once Had.”
Though good by any other company’s standards, the set design for “The Wiz” was a tad bit underwhelming for a Muny production. This is especially apparent during the emergence and exit of Glinda – which is typically equal parts glamour and magic – and the departure of the Wiz. Leon Dobkowski’s costuming was stunning – though “The Wiz” purists might be unable to reconcile his choice for a mostly purple yellow brick road.
John Shivers and David Patridge’s sound design was so effective that the audience became fearful that the weather was back to do its worst during the opening storm sequence.
Longtime fans of the film and the musical may leave longing for a bit more. However, the Muny serves up an introduction that will leave those unfamiliar with the musical will be beyond pleased – and have them eager to “ease on down the road” at any given opportunity.
The Muny’s presentation of “The Wiz” as part of its 100th anniversary season continues through June 25. The centennial season continues through August 12. For tickets or additional information, visit https://muny.org/ or call (314) 361-1900.
