1970's
"The Wiz"
1975 | Charlie Smalls
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Story
Dorothy, a restless Kansas farm girl eager to see more of the world, is transported by a tornado to a magical world of Munchkins, witches, and a yellow brick road. On her way to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, who she believes can help her get back home to Kansas, she encounters the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion - friends who help her battle the Wicked Witch of the West and eventually learn that there really is “no place like home.”
Broadway Production
The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is an urbanized retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of modern African American culture. It follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy twenty-four-year-old Harlem, New York City, schoolteacher who finds herself magically transported to the urban fantasy Land of Oz, which resembles an alternative fantasy version of the New York City. Befriended by a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, she travels through the city to seek an audience with the mysterious Wiz, who they say is the only one powerful enough to send her home.
The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical was an early example of Broadway's mainstream acceptance of works with an all-African American cast.
The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical was an early example of Broadway's mainstream acceptance of works with an all-African American cast.
"Ease on Down the Road"
Movie Production
The Wiz is a 1978 American musical adventure film produced in collaboration between Universal Pictures and Motown Productions, and released by Universal Pictures on October 24, 1978. The Wiz stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor.
Movie Songs
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"Ease On Down the Road"
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"The Crow Anthem"
YouTube Link |
"Slide Some Oil to Me"
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"Home"
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The Wiz Live!
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The Wiz Live! was a television special that aired live on NBC on December 3, 2015. It was a performance of a new adaptation of the 1975 Broadway musical The Wiz. The adaptation of the musical combined aspects of both the Broadway play and its 1978 film adaptation.
Trailer
YouTube Link
"He's the Wiz"
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"Home/Finale"
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