By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to The AFRO
It was Jan. 5, 1975, when the curtain first rose on an all-Black cast of actors at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway for the debut of “The Wiz” – a creative twist of the classic story about Dorothy and a trio of newfound friends who skipped along the yellow brick road and into the hearts of people around the world.
Fortunately, the Tony Award-winning play is back, with a cast that represents some of today’s most talented young actors, fresh choreography crafted by JaQuel Knight (the artist behind Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”), a creative team whose skills are legendary, and a musical director who pays homage to the original score while also weaving in the sounds that illustrate the pulse of today’s Black Gen Xers and Millennials.
“The Wiz” will hit the stage in Washington, D.C., at the National Theatre for a one-week run, April 7 – 12. It will then head to North Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston, S.C., from April 14 to April 19, before heading to the Altria Theater in Richmond, Va. from April 21 to April 26.
Nashville native Cal Mitchell, who portrays “The Lion,” said he can hardly contain his excitement.
“When I first signed on with the show, I was an understudy, so to now be cast as The Lion in one of the biggest bookings in my career means everything to me,” said Mitchell adding that he’s honored to join a legacy of trailblazing actors like Ted Ross, who earned a Tony Award (Best Featured Actor in a Musical) for his performance as the “first” Lion.
Ross later roared once more in the 1978 film adaptation of the musical which featured Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as The Scarecrow. And while critics were nonplussed, and the film was a box-office flop, the musical has served as a favorite for multiple generations of Black families and a staple on community stages across the country.
As for the 1975 Broadway production of “The Wiz,” the musical was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won seven, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Geoffrey Holder), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater) and Best Choreography (George Faison).
What’s more, it also opened doors for more African-American actors and vocalists, particularly those who were members of the original cast, including Andre De Shields, Mabel King, Hinton Battle, Tiger Haynes and Stephanie Mills.
Mitchell said he’s determined to make the best of this opportunity, but emphasized that gaining a foothold in the business and securing a career in the entertainment industry do not come easily.
“Sometimes my family may have hoped I would have followed a different path and I could have done other things,” he said. “But as an actor, I can bring joy into people’s lives for a few hours in what may have been a really strenuous week.
“Still, this is tough work and I’ve trained hard, from internships to regional productions to the off-Broadway circuit. The red carpet moments are what the public tends to notice but neither they nor the parties are what motivate me or fuel my passion.”
Mitchell said it’s easy to understand why “The Wiz” has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among audiences of all races.
“Black joy is something that’s infectious, and no matter what’s happening in America, economically, politically or socially, no one can steal our joy,” he said. “Since its debut, this play, which was radical in the way it was conceived, delivered a new iteration of a classic that felt specific to Black audiences. If you talk to any well-known actor, they’ll probably say they’ve had a run with this show. It’s fundamental to Black artistry.”
Unfortunately, Phoenix Assata LaFreniere, the actress who now portrays Dorothy after replacing Dana Cimone, could not speak with the AFRO. But Mitchell said he’s sure audiences will not be disappointed once she steps onto the stage.
“Phoenix is the youngest member of the cast but her ability to come into a show of this magnitude and to adapt as well as she has is inspiring,” Mitchell said. “Young actors who hope to get their big break one day could learn a lot from her. She is an example of the importance of putting in the work, always being prepared and when opportunities come, doing the job the very best you can. She’s Dorothy in every sense of the word and has a voice that is mesmerizing.”
Mitchell said he hopes people will flock to the National Theatre and said he’s sure the play will touch the hearts of anyone, no matter how young or old they may be.
“There’s an entire generation of those who have not seen the play – even others who have not seen the film – and have no idea what to expect,” he said. “But by the time the show is over, I’m confident that they will have more reasons, like Dorothy, to believe in themselves and to recognize that there’s no place like home.”
CORRECTION: This article was been corrected to reflect that “The Wiz” will leave the National Theatre on April 12, not April 14 as previously stated. The AFRO deeply regrets this error.
