“Can you feel a brand new day?” We have some news for the 70s classics fans. Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss and husband/entrepreneur Todd Tucker are teaming up with Brian Anthony Moreland and Ambassador Theatre Group for a revamp of the timeless musical, “The Wiz.”
Although the main role of Dorothy hasn’t been filled yet, notable actors have already been cast in other memorable roles.
According to Deadline, five-time Emmy winner and Grammy award nominee Wayne Brady will take part of “The Wiz” musical. The “Let’s Make A Deal” host will play the role of the Wiz on Broadway. Brady’s opening night will be on January 16 through February 11, 2024 at the Golden Gate Theatre, and Los Angeles from February 13 through March 3, 2024, at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Doom Patrol’s Alan Mingo Jr. (Kinky Boots) will also be portraying the Wiz role during many of the production’s pre-Broadway tour dates. He will be on stage during the National Tour in Baltimore, Cleveland, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Greenville, Chicago, Des Moines, Tempe, and San Diego.
The whimsical bird-scarer Scarecrow will be played by singer, songwriter, and dancer Avery Wilson. In 2012, Wilson was a contestant on season 3 of “The Voice.” The songbird released several hits including “Dollar Bill,” “If I Have To,” and “Callin’.”
Tinman will be played by entertainer and artist Phillip Johnson Richardson, who is mostly recognized from his performance in the Broadway show “Hamilton.” Fun Fact: The theater star is from Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is only 45 miles away from our hometown of Goldsboro.
Another addition to the cast is vocalist Kyle Ramar Freeman, who will be filling the role of the cowardly lion. With holding down the leading role in the Tony award-winning musical “A Strange Loop,” Freeman has an abundant of experience on the stage. Other notable projects are “Once On This Island” and “The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The Wiz will launch its national tour this fall in Baltimore, MD, home of the 1974 world premiere of the original musical.
This is bound to be an epic show when all the stars hit the stage. We’ll keep y’all updated with further cast and show announcements.
